The field has been set for the signature event of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas. The dunk contest — it ain’t too shabby — features New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson returning to defend his title against Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace, Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown and the winner of a dunk-in (really?) between Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon and Toronto Raptors swingman DeMar DeRozan. But here the top choices for who else we’d like to see:
5. JaVale McGee, Washington » If he’s so valuable to the Wizards, why (again) doesn’t he play? The dunk contest would finally be the perfect venue for the seven-footer to showcase his off-the-chart athleticism without giving up two points on another ill-advised block attempt.
4. Dwight Howard, Orlando » One of the NBA’s top showmen and the 2008 champion, Howard gives us chills when he throws down with all of his might. Can you imagine how much peril the backboard would be in if they let him use one of those little trampolines?
3. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia » Let’s be honest, it’s the only thing he will ever have a realistic chance of winning, likely regardless of whether he’s in a Sixers jersey or not.
2. LeBron James, Cleveland » We’d like to see King James for two reasons. First, he said last year that he would do it. Backing out is unacceptable. Second, it would be classic to watch him try to get the video of the event confiscated when he lost.
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers » Has it really been 13 years since Bryant captured the trophy in his only appearance? We don’t care if it means the end of his knees (and no repeat NBA championship). This is the only way to settle the Kobe vs. LeBron argument once and for all, although Kobe’s head would explode if he lost. (Hey, can Nike enter their puppets?)
