The Slam Dunk Contest used to be one of the most anticipated moments of the NBA All-Star Weekend; today, not so much. Not even the participation of a rising star like Stephon Castle can capture the fans’ interest, as they demand the return of stars to give the competition its former luster.
The Slam Dunk Contest was where the NBA’s biggest stars used to go to earn bragging rights for a whole year over their peers. Legends like Spud Webb, Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Kobe Bryant all have at least one trophy from this competition in their showcases.
In recent years, however, the contest has been on the decline. What was once a competition where the greats showed off their talents to the fullest has become little more than a sideshow to the All-Star Game, where rookies and G-League players try to make a name for themselves.
Who do fans want?
That’s why Castle’s announcement hasn’t impressed fans. In recent posts on his social media, journalist Shams Charania announced with great fanfare the participation of the San Antonio Spurs rookie, but fans clamored for two other names: Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards.
Neither of them has officially declared for this year’s contest, and it’s unlikely they will. Morant has said more than once that his dunking days are over due to injuries that have plagued him this year when his Memphis Grizzlies are title contenders.
Edwards, for his part, hasn’t even mentioned this contest. The controversial Minnesota Timberwolves star doesn’t usually attend these events, as he’s more busy dealing with his issues on and off the court.
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Without Morant or Edwards, there will be riots
Netizens were blunt in their preferences. “It should be Ja [Morant] vs [Anthony] Edwards period anything else is not it,” claimed one. “Don’t get me wrong, no hate to Castle, but I’m still waiting on Ja, Ant, and [Mikal] Bridges,” said a second.
Another went further by saying “If Ja isn’t there, we riot,” “Need Ant and Monk in it or this crap is trash,” said another, adding Malik Monk’s name to the mix. With three weeks to go until the contest, it’s difficult for the fans’ wishes to come true. All that remains is to hope that the contestants put on a good show.