The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has had its ups and down throughout the years. Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan and Spud Webb set the bar high in the late 80’s. But in the mid-90’s, players began to lose interest with the contest concerned that everything humanly possible had been done and not wanting to risk injury.
The highlight of All-Star Weekend hit an all-time low in 1998 when the NBA cancelled the Slam Dunk Contest. There was no contest the next season either due to the NBA lockout.
When the Slam Dunk Contest returned in 2000, fans may have been treated to the best show of all-time. Steve Francis, Tracy McGardy and Vince Carter traded perfect scores with each other until the final round when Carter stole the show.
Dwight Howard and Nate Robinson have battled it out for the last few seasons, but lack of talent and constant rule changes have stalled the competition yet again. This year NBA is looking to the most exciting in-game dunker in recent history, Blake Griffin, to dazzle us and revive the contest like Carter.
But here is a list of the top 5 players who have never competed, but would be perfect for years to come.
5. Chase Budinger
A former volleyball player and Arizona Wildcat star, Budinger has a 40 inch vertical. The Houston Rockets reserve may not get many opportunities to amaze fans during games, but was the runner-up in the 2006 McDonalds All-American Dunk Contest in high school. The theory “White Man Cant Jump” doesn’t apply to this high flyer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df7nNs6ZPFw
4. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook has elevated his play every year he’s been in the NBA and has rose to elite point guard status. But besides his amazing numbers, Westbrook can throw down with the best of them. The lengthy guard can play above the rim and we have seen evidence of his greatness in-game with alley-oops, off the backboard and pure power dunks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0e_tJv4loU
3. Dwayne Wade
Wade is one of the best players in the NBA and is at his best when he is attacking the basket. As a result, we are treated to some of the best dunks the NBA has to offer. He has the combination of skills to compete with anyone and the creativity to win any competition he participates in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSUAH6ju1F8
2. Derrick Rose
Like Westbrook, Rose is a young point guard playing at an MVP level. Over the last couple of seasons, Rose has been a staple on ESPN’s Top 10 with his array of dunks. His strong upper body, speed and leaping ability would be perfect for the Slam Dunk Contest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqFwcYX-an4
1. LeBron James
Questionably the league’s best player and rising on the list of all-time NBA greats, James is also one of the best dunkers of all-time. He participated in the Powerade JamFest in 2003 and has the ability to touch his head on the rim. After James backed out of his guarantee to participate in the 2010 Slam Dunk Contest, he owes the fans at least one shot to see him compete.