Watching the NBA’s Slam Dunk contest has always been a tradition for me. I haven’t missed a single one in over 20 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.
This article appears in Feb 10-16, 2010.