New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) dunks during the Slam Dunk Contest during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Rocket Mortgage Field House. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Why the NBA should ditch the Slam Dunk Contest

By Alex Lang | Last updated 2/15/23

It’s time to ditch the NBA All-Star Game Slam Dunk Contest.

Saturday's event -- once a star-studded extravaganza -- features nobodies Trey Murphy III (Pelicans), Mac McClung (76ers), Kenyon Martin Jr. (Rockets) and Jericho Sims (Knicks).

Who?

Martin Jr. might be the most recognizable name of the bunch, but that's probably because of his father, the No. 1 overall pick by the Nets in the 2000 NBA Draft. Martin, who averages 11.7 points, has appeared in 181 NBA games.

None of the four has played in more than 200 games. McClung, who recently signed a two-way contract with the 76ers, has played in two games.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Slam Dunk Contest was the event of All-Star Weekend. Over the years, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and 5-foot-7 Spud Webb dazzled fans in the contest.

Today in 1986, Spud Webb wins the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. pic.twitter.com/AlRVmij0k9
— TodayInSports (@TodayInSportsCo) February 8, 2023

LeBron James, the game's premier star, has never participated in the Slam Dunk Contest. Then other stars decided they wouldn't participate, leaving the NBA picking from the scrap heap.

The Three-Point Contest -- which features stars Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard -- has taken over the spotlight.

If NBA stars don't want to dunk, it's time to slam the door on the "competition."

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