KD wants stars in the dunk contest, Ibaka wants in next year
ORLANDO — There’s no way around it: Last night’s dunk contest left a little something to be desired. There were a few solid slams, but for the most part, it was a disappointment. Some have called it the worst ever and while that’s probably fair, I think we should hold off on that to see if any of them age well a little bit.
Kevin Durant has taken part in two consecutive All-Star Saturdays, both in the 3-point contest. And he’s had enough. He wants some big names in the dunk contest. He tweeted last night:
“It’s time for @KingJames, Mr Westbrook, Mr.Rose, and @DwyaneWade to get in the dunk contest.”
Dwyane Wade responded, “Not me but I agree w the others.”
Translated, KD is saying the dunk contest this year wasn’t great and the best way to make it good is to put the big names there. We all love the dunk contest. We keep coming back every year. Props, gimmicks, whatever — it’s a ton of fun. We want it to be good. Saturday’s, was not.
Durant’s plea is certainly valid. Big names have participated in the past like Kobe, Michael Jordan and Dr. J. Blake Griffin took part last year as a pretty big name. All four that Durant mentioned have never participated. LeBron has flirted with the idea but probably won’t ever do it. Westbrook tried his rookie year but didn’t make it and said it’s not his thing anymore. The other two just aren’t likely ever.
One guy though that wants back in is Serge Ibaka. Sunday morning he tweeted, “After seeing the dunk contest lastnight I would love to be in it again next year, I hope the @NBA would let me to.”
Ibaka took part in 2011 in Los Angeles and had a couple really nice efforts, but didn’t make it to the final. Which means he had a third dunk planned he didn’t get to use. So if he gets to go back next season, I’d expect Ibaka to be ready.
