Image Source: USA Today Sports
[Saba Sports News] On a recent episode of the “BIG Podcast,” NBA icon Julius Erving shared his insights on the reluctance of today’s premier NBA talents to join the dunk contest, suggesting that a shift to a 1-on-1 tournament wouldn’t solve the issue due to the players’ egos. Erving pointed out, “Many top players avoid participating because they fear it might tarnish their brand,” highlighting the current era’s focus on image over competition.
Shaquille O’Neal echoed Erving’s sentiments, lamenting the modern stars’ aversion to competition as a “shame” and credited past legends, including Erving himself, for setting the stage for today’s lucrative contracts. O’Neal reminisced about the era when the dunk contest was a highlight for fans, with legends like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter, among others, showcasing their skills, a tradition that has seen a significant drop in participation from top names since the early 2010s. The discussion also touched on the notable absence of LeBron James from the dunk contest throughout his career, a decision that has fueled speculation and criticism regarding his competitive spirit.
LeBron James, despite being one of the most dynamic dunkers, has famously never participated in the NBA dunk contest, a choice he attributes not to fear of competition but to personal disinterest. This stance, however, contrasts sharply with the enthusiasm past superstars showed for the event, contributing to the ongoing debate about current players’ commitment to NBA traditions.
Both Erving and O’Neal, who have served as judges in these contests, expressed concern over the declining excitement and quality of the dunk contest, warning that without renewed participation from the game’s biggest names, the allure of the All-Star weekend could continue to wane.