Three Slam Dunk Participants Finalized, Fans Will Vote For 4th

[SuperNova854]

The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard will defend his crown in the 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk competition to be held on NBA All-Star Saturday Night Feb. 14, at US Airways Center (8 p.m. ET on TNT) in Phoenix. Howard will compete against the Memphis Grizzlies' Rudy Gay, who participated in last year’s contest, and the New York Knicks’ Nate Robinson, winner of the 2006 contest in Houston.

For the first time, fans will select the fourth participant, exclusively through an online vote on NBA.com, from a list of three rookies: the Milwaukee Bucks’ Joe Alexander, the Portland Trail Blazers’ Rudy Fernandez, or the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook.

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wi...articipants_finalized_fans_will_vote_for_4th/

I voted for Westbrook

 

[BWEISS]

Why don't they put Iguodala back in

He was ripped off the year of Nate Robinson..

Just because Nate jumped over Spud Webb he got a 50, Iggy can do that too.

 

[Primetime]

I wonder what someone like LeBron would do.

 

[BWEISS]

I miss the old days, when NBA's best participated.

Now it's just a bunch of rooks

 

[Primetime]

I'm excited for Dwight and Rudy, don't really care about Nate or the fan's choice though. I thought maybe after last year, more stars would want to do it.

 

[BWEISS]

Theres nothing Nate Robinson can think of that he hasn't done already in the 2006 contest.

Not much your capable of doing when you barely can dunk the ball..

i'm still pissed about that contest. Fuck Spud Webb.

 

[Onez]

Ah man, this dunk contest is gonna suck.

- Howard's aight, but I don't really like big men in dunk contests
- Rudy Gay sucked last year. Hopefully he's gonna bring something better this time
- Nate Robinson, c'mon. He can't do anything better than we've alreadsy seen from him. He's probably just gonna do the same dunks with a little twist to it
- None of the 3 rookies have made me jump outta my seat yet

I'd rather see Green and Moon back in the contest and I'd also like to see Nick Young.

Btw, if they use public voting again you already know Dwight's gonna win if he makes it to the final round.

 

[Gonzo]

I miss the old days, when NBA's best participated.

Now it's just a bunch of rooks

I agree.

Whatever happened to Fred Jones? Former Pacer?

 

[mfbmike]

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

 

[Marms]

I agree.

Whatever happened to Fred Jones? Former Pacer?

he was on the Knicks, so most likely he is done


Probably the worst move by a sport's industry was the NBA changing the dunk contest to rising stars, imagine how much more viewers and publicity it would get the sport if they had Lebron and others in it

 

[MvP]

Joe Alexander is arguably the most athletic player in the league.

 

[SuperNova854]

I actually think Rudy Fernandez will get it. That dunk on Dwight in the olympics was sick

 

[Lupe]

This years dunk contest is gonna suck. Watch Dwight put on a Bat-Man cape and do another "dunk" with the cape on. Last year was bullshit because howard didn't even dunk it. Nate we have seen all he can do put Gerald Wallace or Nick Young maybe even that Speights guy on the 76ers in the contest fuck nate. I'm excited to see Rudy I hope he really brings it this year. I voted for Westrbrook.

 

[Leftwich]

I want Joe Alexander.

 

[corbin]

Stop putting Nate Robinson in. He is not Spud Webb. Anyways, I hope Rudy Gay does some thing this time around.

 

[Kuzzy Powers]

Rudy Fernandez??? I know dude can throw down but hes not very flashy, I dont understand that option. Havent seen Joe Alexander throw it down, either, so I wont pass judgement. Russell can throw down for a little dude tho.. but wheres Moon? Arguably one of the most entertaining dunkers in the NBA, guaranteed to give you a good showing. Howard, Rudy, Nate, Moon would've been a sick dunk contest.

 

[Wildcard]

Joe Alexander ftmfw.

 

[Deviant]

I voted Joe Alexander. Westbrook is more of an facial dunker. Joe Alexander has a lot of athleticism:

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Here's what the NBA should do to make the contest more exciting:

The NBA Facial Slam Contest

Basically, you take the four best dunkers in the league and pit them up against three of the best shot blockers/defenders in the league. Basically, the only way you score points is to posterize the defender. The dunker is allowed to take any angle he wishes. The third best shot blocker is used as the defender for the first round, then the second best for the second round, and then the best for the final round. I think it would make for quite some excitement and players who put in great effort in their defense finally get a shot to put their skills on display.

 

[Onez]

^So if Dwight would make it to the final round he'd have to dunk on himself?

 

[Onez]

^That's supposed to convince anyone?