by Chris Humpherys

Created on: February 14, 2010

Watching the NBA’s Slam Dunk contest has always been a tradition for me.  I haven’t missed a single one in over twenty years.  The names of former champions, Erving, Jordan, Ceballos, Nance, Carter, Wilkins and Webb ring proudly like a who’s who of elevator men.  Their creativity, desire and athleticism was unrivaled in the years they were proudly crowned dunk kings.  But things have changed in 2010.  This weekend the contest flat out sucked and I’m the biggest NBA apologist out there.

I’ve alienated many a girlfriend on Valentine’s Days past, choosing to watch the Slam Dunk Contest over a romantic night out.  Or I’d slyly try to work the competition into the evening.  Sir, may we have a table for two… preferably with a tv in view?  Oh, but come on, baby.  It’s Dominique versus Michael! 

You know what, though?  They’d watch.  Because back then it was exciting.

Look at the fans in those old videos.  Heck, look at the players.  They were on the edge of their seats, writhing with each performance.  This Saturday, however, the fans didn’t rise.  They didn’t OOH, they didn’t AHH and they didn’t high five.  They appeared more interested in the nearest after-party which was undoubtedly more exciting.

Dwight Howard’s Superman cape was kitschy and I could watch 5-foot-9 Nate dunk for hours… but a three-time champion?  That’s a slap in the face of his dunking forefathers.

I mean just look at this…

Something needs to be done to bring excitement back to the competition… and soon.  I’m not saying participation should be mandatory but remember the eighth and final rule of Fight Club.  If this is your first night at Fight Club… you have to fight.  You can’t go down as one of the greatest dunkers of all-time without winning, or even participating in the contest.  Listening LeBron?

I wrote last month that LeBron James let us all down by not participating and I meant every word of it.  Twitter was flooded with disappointed fans blasting James for his disappearing act.  Did he ever give us a reason for his absence?  It wasn’t injury, was it?  Has anyone actually ever been injured during the proceedings?  I can see baseball players not wanting to participate in the Home Run Derby because it affects

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