Forget the teams and the gimmicks. What fans need to see on All-Star Saturday is a night that ends with enough excitement to have people thinking that the Slam Dunk Contest has returned, without having to make it seem forced. With that being said, next month’s contest should be built around dethroning 2015 champion Zach LaVine.
Selling an event with everyone aiming for the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ second-year guard would be easy after hearing LaVine say that he held back plenty of dunks in last year’s competition. People would tune in to see him challenged or crush the opposition. Now imagine if the NBA actually gave him opponents who everyone would want to see, like John Wall.
The Washington Wizards guard gave the world a glimpse of his skills in 2014, and the fans went wild. However, the team aspect gave fans such a small taste that they wanted more. 2016 should bring more, in the form of him and his dunk contest teammate (and former trophy holder) Terrence Ross.
Adding the Toronto Raptors forward to the field would give the audience a proven commodity who they know can land spectacular dunks while entertaining them. Of course, it does not hurt that he would be in front of the Canadian crowd that sees him for 41 home games a year. That’s where the fourth high-flyer comes in.
Everyone who has followed Andrew Wiggins from his high school days know that he has a full above-the-rim arsenal, including the ability to put the ball underneath — not between — both legs and finish with ease. He has the skills, and would also bring a little drama of being the hometown kid the city wanted the Raptors to tank for, versus the All-Star, the Timberwolves teammate, and the guy the country now cheers for.
What more can you ask for, besides a chance to see a contest featuring all of the greats? And don’t say LeBron James.