Normally I get really excited for NBA All-Star Weekend but this year was a huge disappointment and I don’t think I’m alone. When the industry leader ESPN buries the highlights of the Slam Dunk Contest in the middle of Sportscenter you know it was a rough night.

With the lack of a big name superstar dunking this year you knew it was going to be an off year but I think fans were really disappointed and it may be the perfect time to change things up in NBA.  We seem to be able to vote on everything else surrounding All Star Weekend so why can’t we vote who plays in the Slam Dunk Contest? I really think the Slam Dunk Contest is the best part of the weekend and that includes the actual game on Sunday. The NBA should start treating it the same way. Could you imagine how awesome the contest would be if it was Blake Griffin, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, and LeBron James? It would be the biggest event ever and that’s exactly how it used to be. In 1985 it was Jordan vs. Dr. J vs. Dominique Wilkins vs. Clyde Drexler. During the mid to late 80’s there always seemed to be at least one Hall of Famer in the dunk contest. Unless something drastic happens I doubt any of this year’s competitors will make the Hall.

It’s time to get back to the day of the NBA’s biggest stars showing off there dunking skills. It’s the least they can due for the fans that have to deal with a big lockout, missed games, and a shortened season. This weekend the NBA had a shot to make the fans say “I’m so glad basketball is back” but instead they fell flat on their faces. I have feeling most fans are really saying “I can live without NBA All Star Weekend.”