I don't think I need to say too much about Mac McClung's winning the dunk contest except to say in terms of creativity and athleticism it was the best I've ever seen, Remember the dude is only 6'2" tall. That little rim touch before dunking the last of his jumps was pure dunk contest desert. I'm writing on Sunday morning, so I'm holding off what I think of the new tournament format for the All Star Game, but I have a feeling the NBA might have a winner. It smells like it will be more competitive.
As for the contests themselves, the addition of Stephen Castle proved that there are dunkers in the NBA, to make the competition meaningful. It's up to the league office to vet the contestants more thoroughly. The first two other leapers Andre Jackson and Matas Buzelis were mediocre at best. The 3- point-shooting contest remains the most competitive. The skills competition really needs a face lift. The shooting part needs to fit the concept of SKILL? This contest should be about a player's handle and passing, or if there must be shooting it should be floaters or reverse lay-ups. I'd love to see spin moves, crossovers and change of direction, etc. This would add a creativity component to the contest. Speed, yes, but creativity as well. The contest needs to get the fans up on their feet. Imagine, a Wembanyama vs Kyrie in a handle contest. See what I'm saying? Big Shout out to Sir Charles for donating $250,000.00 to the Glide Center.
ETC
I've been critical in the past of the All Star game, particularly the game itself, as boring. I'm looking forward to the new format this afternoon. But my ETC (above) has to do with the negativity I'm reading from fan comments. Not just actual criticism, which can be constructive, but meanness. This kind of vitriol has increased since the Trump era began and is worse since his reelection. Trump has opened the Pandora's box of meanness and vitriol. It has got to stop, people. Let's be human again. Let's think kindness. One negative MAGA dude compared the NBA All Star Weekend to a CARNY side show. This guy needs to get a life. Instead of CARNY we should think CARNIVAL, like the Mardi Gras or Rio Carnivale in Brazil: music, dancing, spectacles, joy, fans and players mingling, good food, friendship, that's what the All Star Weekend is all about. As a nation, we need to jam all of Trump's meanness back into his Pandora's box, so the rest of us can live our lives positively.
AIR McCLUNG
on the last rung
of his air ladder
taps the rim
for good mesure
before he dunks
for fifty points.
And if my eyes
didn't fail me
stayed airborne
for a moment more
just for the legend.
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