The NBA's Slam Dunk Contest, once the crown jewel of All-Star Saturday Night, has landed with a thud. This year's edition has sparked a firestorm of criticism from fans who are fed up with what they see as a declining, uninspired spectacle that fails to capture the magic of its past.
A Victory That Failed to Impress
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson emerged as the winner, but his triumph did little to quiet the discontent. He narrowly edged out Carter Bryant, who managed the night's sole perfect score but faltered on his final attempt. The other competitors, Jaxson Hayes and Jase Richardson, failed to generate significant buzz from the crowd in Inglewood, leaving the arena atmosphere more muted than electrified.
Fan Fury Erupts Online
Social media platforms became the arena for fan frustration. The consensus was brutal, with complaints targeting every aspect of the event.
"The dunk contest is broken. No creativity, barely any props, and dunks we see every night in games. It's just not special anymore," one fan posted, summarizing a common sentiment. Another demanded drastic action: "It's time to put this contest out of its misery. Cancel it forever."
Others pointed to systemic issues. "A lack of star power, originality, and pure excitement has killed the slam dunk contest," lamented a third observer. The judging also came under fire, with one critic noting, "The scoring is a mess. Having weird scores followed by announcers complaining about those scores makes for terrible television."
The Star Power Problem Persists
For years, the primary complaint was the contest's inability to attract the league's biggest names. While recent winner Mac McClung wowed audiences with incredible athleticism, he was criticized for being a fringe NBA player. This year, the participants had more established NBA minutes, but they weren't the household names fans crave. The event seems stuck between showcasing incredible G-League talent or less-heralded NBA players, neither of which satisfies the audience's appetite for superstars.
A Glimmer from the Past
The current disappointment stands in stark contrast to memorable moments, like the epic 2020 duel between Aaron Gordon and Derrick Jones Jr., judged by a panel including Dwyane Wade and Scottie Pippen. That contest, filled with creativity and high stakes, is exactly what fans feel is missing today. The comparison only deepens the sense that the event has lost its way.
What's Next for the Dunk Contest?
The conversation has moved beyond simple criticism to active brainstorming for solutions. Many fans are now suggesting the event should be demoted in the All-Star Saturday lineup, perhaps placed after the increasingly popular Three-Point Contest. More drastic voices are calling for it to be suspended entirely until the league can devise a compelling format that brings back the wow factor.
The core issue is clear: the Slam Dunk Contest is in a crisis of relevance. It no longer delivers the jaw-dropping, viral moments it was designed for. Unless the NBA can engineer a major comeback—by enticing stars, encouraging wild creativity, and fixing inconsistent judging—the future of this once-beloved tradition looks increasingly uncertain. The final buzzer on the event itself may be closer than anyone thinks.
