The “Slam Dunk” can be defined as the ultimate indicator of talent and domination on the basketball court. The player goes up, grabs the rim to dunk the ball and hangs over the court while staring down on his competitor. According to Sports Illustrated, one of the first players to dunk the ball was Lakers’ forward Jim Pollard in the early 1950s. However, Pollard only dunked in practice because it was considered a “breach of etiquette.” The league eventually realized the dunk was not a discourteous act but more of a statement maker on the court.
Since the dunk was introduced, it has remained the unexpected high in the midst of the game that continues to sweep the crowd and players off their feet in amazement. The transformation of this skill has evolved from the simple styles of Wilt Chamberlain to the dynamic and costumed performances of Dwight Howard. Julius Erving, better known as “Dr. J,” is considered by some as the father of the revolutionized dunk—full of tricks and air born spins that took the art of dunking to a whole new level.
The all anticipated NBA All- Star Game sets the stage for some of the most creative and gravity defying slam dunks during the All Star Dunk contest. However, this battle of the best started back in 1976 by the American Basketball Association (ABA). Dr. J took home the first win just before the league merged with the NBA, when he shocked the world by taking off from the free throw line and throwing down one of his most famous dunks. This was never seen before in the history of dunking and challenged players to step up their dunking skills.
Today, a notable dunk contest participant and NBA All Star Amar’e Stoudemire feels he is rejuvenating the game and bringing something new to the art of dunking, just as Dr. J did back in the day. “I started the transformation from old school to new school with the soccer triple me and Steve Nash did,” Stoudemire confesses. “It [dunking] is starting to be more entertaining. Guys are coming up with so many ideas to get the fans involved. Now it’s being a fan favorite for sure.”
The 2009 NBA All Star dunk contest will only prove how innovative today’s generation of NBA stars can get to possess the title of the “Best Dunker” in the NBA. The participants include the reigning champion Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies’ Rudy Gay, and New York Knicks Nate Robinson. The contest will take place in Phoenix Saturday, February, 14, 2009 at 8pm. –kim smith
