NBA All-Star Weekend: 3 reasons why the 3-point contest is now the main draw

Feb 16, 2023; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; NBA All-Star Game signage featuring images of Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (30) and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) at the Salt Lake City International Airport. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2023; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; NBA All-Star Game signage featuring images of Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (30) and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) at the Salt Lake City International Airport. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 19: Jalen Green #0 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball during the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2022 NBA All Star Weekend at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 19: Jalen Green #0 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball during the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the 2022 NBA All Star Weekend at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has peaked

If you are a new NBA fan, YouTube the 2016 NBA Dunk Contest and enjoy. The competition featured four quality dunkers in Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordon, Will Barton, and Andre Drummond, who all put on an amazing show.

The final round between LaVine and Gordon was one of the most entertaining dunk contests in recent years, with each player putting on a show and LaVine ultimately winning with a spectacular two-handed reverse dunk. All in all, it was one of the best dunk contests in recent years.

The NBA Dunk Contest has been declining in quality for several reasons. First and foremost, the top players in the league, especially the superstars, have begun to avoid participating in the event. Without the presence of the league’s best players, the Dunk Contest has become increasingly less competitive and less exciting.

Also, the rules of the competition have changed over the years, making it less creative. The event has become too predictable, with the same dunks being attempted year after year and without stars being in the competition, the excitement has disappeared.