This year's Slam Dunk Contest (Griffin is in!!)

[Kwhit10]

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5990603

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin will take part in the slam dunk contest during this year's NBA All-Star weekend, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Washington Wizards center JaVale McGee, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka and Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings also are in the field, according to the newspaper.

This season's All-Star festivities are being held at Staples Center. The slam dunk contest is slated for Saturday, Feb. 19.

I must say outside of Griffin, the other 3 are people I would not expect to be in the event.  I think we already know who is going to win.

I see a repeat of when Dwight was in it the first time.  Just jumping out of the building type dunks.

[Roy H.]

No Nate?

[Redz]

No Nate?

Is Nate above this sort of thing now?  C'mon!

[Chris]

Generally, I hate Big men in the Dunk Contest, but I am very excited about Griffin.  He is the rare big man (along with Kemp, and a handful of others), who can be a great competition dunker.  Too many big men (Dwight Howard) just don't blow me away because it looks too easy.  I think this could revive the dunk contest.

Unfortunately, I am not impressed with the competition though. 

[Mike-Dub]

Horrible field other than Griffin.

[indeedproceed]

Serge Ibaka is a very athletic dude, and Brandon Jennings is athletic too, but besides Blake Griffin, none of them deserve to be in it.

To quote Denny Green, "IF YA WANNA CROWN HIM, THEN CROWN HIS (BUTT)!"

[StartOrien]

I was a little confused by Jennings so I youtube'd some mixes, he's got some impressive dunks. I think he could take it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz_F2s0vT9I

Now Serge Ibaka on the other hand...

[Assassin70]

Even with Blake...the NBA dunk contest is a just going to be a major yawn.

Sure the NBA players can do more then just "DUNK" but the NBA Slam Dunk contest can't even come close to this contest held by Nike last summer.

Some of that stuff was so sick...see for yourself.

[DavorCroatiaFan]

I would like to see Ray Allen and PP in 3 point shoouout...

[LakersFan_33]

This was expected, but still very exciting. I have slight doubts about his creativity, but with Griffin, you're due to most likely see something amazing almost every time.

What's even more impressive, is that he's most likely going to be voted into the All Star game (how many rookies make the All-Star team their first year?). With Yao out, and depending on how Dirk's injury plays out, we might see even more play from him.

[screwedupmaniac]

How can you say Javale McGee doesn't deserve to be in the dunk contest? I think he's the sleeper of the group...McGee's got hops.

Serge Ibaka is a very athletic dude, and Brandon Jennings is athletic too, but besides Blake Griffin, none of them deserve to be in it.

To quote Denny Green, "IF YA WANNA CROWN HIM, THEN CROWN HIS (BUTT)!"

[Edgar]

Jennings in injuried and yet in the contest
Stupid if you ask me

Now to see Griffin there will be MONUMENTAL

[pearljammer10]

I would just let Blake Griffin dunk for 30 minutes. Give him the crown and them let him put on a show.

[indeedproceed]

How can you say Javale McGee doesn't deserve to be in the dunk contest? I think he's the sleeper of the group...McGee's got hops.

Serge Ibaka is a very athletic dude, and Brandon Jennings is athletic too, but besides Blake Griffin, none of them deserve to be in it.

To quote Denny Green, "IF YA WANNA CROWN HIM, THEN CROWN HIS (BUTT)!"

Magee has hops for a guy that is 6'11. THat means impressive contact dunks during games, and good in transition, but he can't do the stuff Blake Griffin or even Nate Rob or Gerald Green could do.

Dunks only look good in the contest when you're supre athletic and a freak/novelty (Nate, Dwight), or you're mid size (6'5-6'9) and have unreal athleticism.

[ManUp]

Thank God there's no Nate.

He almost single handedly brought death to the contest.

Griffin is easy favorite, McGee's height will take away from the dunks, Jennings? Can he really get up there like that? Ibaka... what's the point.

The contest will stink for another year.