The NBA Slam Dunk Contest Has Hit Rock Bottom

JOHN MABANGLO. Getty Images.

I was born in 1986 so I never got to enjoy the Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins Slam Dunk Contests in real time. I missed iconic moments like Dr. J dunking from the free throw line, Spud Webb getting crazy high for a little guy, Dee Brown pumping up his Reebok Pumps and some others.

But I did see some great dunk contests in my day. Kobe Bryant was one of my first very memorable Slam Dunk Champions with this through the legs stuff I could never seem to replicate, even on the lowered rim at my buddy Jacob's house.

The Vince Carter Dunk Contest in 2000 was easily the greatest performance in All-Star history filled with memorable jam after memorable jam.

There were a smattering of decent contests after that. 

But I think the truth is that everybody knew that no matter how good of a show they put on, they'd never be able to hold a candle to Vinsanity's performance in 2000. So the talent started dropping off a lot. We went from having young, up and coming players that you could maybe talk yourself into getting excited about like Jason Richardson, Josh Smith, Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin, or even more recently Donovan Mitchell and Obi Toppin to getting a contest this year where the only decent draw has dropped out to 'focus on the 2nd half of the season.'

What a weak ass excuse. It really sucks because Sharpe looks like he is gonna be a legit dude in due time and he can fly.

And now we're left with a field of not one, not two, not three, but four legit dudes who do not move the needle AT ALL (sorry Jericho Sims). One of which isn't even in the NBA. He's a G-League guy who is best known for being an instagram dunker. Meet your 2023 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contestants:

- Trey Murphy III - New Orleans Pelicans - Swingman. 29.3 minutes per game, 13.0 points per game. 2nd year guy. Starter on legitimately decent team.

- KJ Martin (aka Kenyon Martin Jr.) - Houston Rockets - Swingman. 25.8 minutes per game, 11.5 points per game. Role player on the worst team in basketball.

- Jericho Sims - New York Knicks - Center. 15.2 minutes per game, 3.7 points per game. Starter only due to injury to original Starter (Mitchell Robinson). 

- Mac McClung - G-League - G. Played 2 career NBA games for 2 different teams somehow. Woof. 

Who will take home the crown this year? Who cares? The Dunk Contest has hit rock bottom.