The NBA officially announced the participants for this year’s Slam Dunk Competition Tuesday night and, judging by the reaction on Twitter, the participants are underwhelming.
Let’s just say this year’s contest won’t remind anyone of the classic Michael Jordan vs. Dominique Wilkins showdown back in the day.
This year’s four participants are Kenyon Martin Jr. of the Houston Rockets, Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans, the Philadelphia 76ers’ Mac McClung and Jericho Sims of the New York Knicks.
Slam Dunk Contest Participants: pic.twitter.com/HWQgre1foU
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 15, 2023
Not a Ja Morant or Giannis Antetokounmpo (or even Aaron Gordon or Zach LaVine) in the bunch. Of course, the NBA’s biggest stars have been avoiding this competition for years. There’s far more for them to lose than there is to gain by competing, so why take the risk?
Nothing against any of this year’s contestants in terms of their leaping ability or creativity on dunks. McClung is still best known for his viral videos showing his incredible dunks as a high school player.
But the NBA is a league powered by stars, and this year’s contestants fall short in that area. NBA fans on Twitter could not hide their disappointment.
nba gotta retire the dunk contest man.
— Jays Enthusiast (@gReenbean_26) February 15, 2023
We not only have players missing more games than ever and resting a ton but they are too cool to even compete in events to make it fun for fans and everyone.
Just sucks
— Dude (@DPGSpurs) February 15, 2023
Who are you people!
— Casey (@Caseyyy727) February 15, 2023
This might be the worst dunk contest of all time
— Unfiltered Honcho (@MostestShady) February 15, 2023
It might be time to phase out the Slam Dunk Contest for good if that’s the best field the NBA can put together
— Joseph Zucker (@JosephZucker) February 15, 2023
The dunk competition is part of All-Star Saturday Night on TNT, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. ET.