In the past, the NBA's All-Star Weekend could always rely on the Slam Dunk Contest to be a highlight of the season. With names like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter, it was the flagship event of the weekend.
Fans always knew that the Dunk Contest would deliver big moments. Unfortunately, the competition has not had the reputation it once had. It has reached a point that Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe is scoffing at the idea of joining it.
Edgecombe's dislike of the Dunk Contest is a problem for the NBA
NBA fans have had a problem with the Dunk Contest over the past few years because it lacks star power. Even if the dunks are impressive, it is not enticing the people enough.
The big names are not fans of the competition, which has led to the fans not caring for it as well. This is perfectly encapsulated by Mac McClung's three consecutive victories when he was barely an NBA player at times.
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Edgecombe is the latest player to show a di slike for the competition. This is a bad sign for the Dunk Contest because a young rookie like Edgecombe is showing apathy towards it, which could mean the more experienced players feel the same.
"Yeah, I ain't doing it. Eh. Nah. I'm good," Edgecombe simply said about his potential of joining the Dunk Contest.
Many would point out that LeBron James joining the competition over the past two decades could have saved the Dunk Contest. It is a good point because his star power would have motivated the rest of the league to follow.
Unfortunately, James never joined the Dunk Contest, and the rest of the league has followed suit. The competition needs star power, and Edgecombe would have been an inspired choice.
Unfortunately, the Dunk Contest continues to struggle because of the lack of star power, and players are not motivated to become as creative as possible.
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