The NBA Slam Dunk Contest, a highly anticipated component of the yearly All-Star Weekend, has witnessed both memorable successes and notable shortcomings.
However, it is the latter that will be highlighted, and here are some of the contest's significant low points.
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5 Worst Dunks in Slam Dunk Contest History
1. 2021 Slam Dunk Contest
The 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is often regarded as one of the most underwhelming editions, not only due to the absence of big-name stars but also because only three players participated, which is the lowest number in the contest's history.
The contenders were Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers, Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks, and Cassius Stanley of the Indiana Pacers.
The lack of intensity was apparent, further emphasized by the absence of crowds owing to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Interestingly, the preceding three-point contest boasted stars like Stephen Curry, who had just set the NBA record for the highest number of points in a single round, and Jayson Tatum, adding to the stark contrast in star power between the two events that evening.
2. Jaylen Brown, 2024
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown had one of the most disappointing performances in the 2024 NBA Dunk Contest, especially considering that he was probably the event's most high-profile participant in years.
One of the notable lowlights included Brown covering his eyes after a dunk, attempting to replicate former Celtic Dee Brown's famous dunk, but the execution proved to be a disappointing rendition.
Adding to the disappointment, Brown consistently received some of the highest scores of the night from the judges, pushing the fans inside the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana to boo him.
3. 2022 Slam Dunk Contest
The 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest left much to be desired, with ESPN NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith going so far as to brand it as one of the worst in NBA history.
In the first round, the contestants collectively made only 7 out of 25 attempts (28%), and notably, there were no dunks that scored a perfect 50 points throughout the entire contest.
4. Chris Andersen, 2005
During the 2005 event, big man Chris Andersen, who played for the New Orleans Hornets at the time, made numerous unsuccessful attempts to complete both his first and second dunks.
Despite facing repeated failures, Andersen persisted without opting to simplify or significantly alter his approach.
He continued his efforts, attempting ambitious maneuvers such as throwing elaborate lob passes from half-court and trying a challenging reverse alley-oop off the bounce. Unfortunately, he never succeeded, missing a total of 32 dunks that night.
5. 1997 Slam Dunk Contest
The 1997 NBA Dunk Contest featured participants such as Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Chris Carr, Michael Finley, Darvin Ham, and Bob Sura.
Regrettably, this contest is widely regarded as the least impressive in the history the competition. The Black Mamba won this event.
Many attribute this lackluster perception to the poor quality of dunks, with Bryant being deemed the least subpar.
Following this disappointing event, the dunk contest was put on hold for two years. In 1998, it was replaced with 2Ball, a shooting competition featuring both NBA and WNBA players.
The entire All-Star Weekend was canceled in 1999 due to the lockout-shortened season. However, this hiatus paved the way for the much-anticipated 2000 contest, which is celebrated as one of the greatest editions of the event.
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