Shaquille O’Neal: A Legend With No Home
January 20, 2010Holmgren Report: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
January 20, 2010When the list of participants for this year’s slam dunk contest was released, we wasted zero time in prepping Cavs fans for the outcry against LeBron James for not being among said list. Naturally, it didn’t take long for some to claim that James went against his word – and by doing so, is showing that he is “too cool” to participate. While this matter can be debated ad nauseum, James’ teammate Shaquille O’Neal thinks that he can solve the puzzle.
The “Big Promotor” wants to take things back to how they were – and how James envisioned them when he made his statements regarding the 2010 contest one year ago – by having NBA superstars take part in the festivities. And the proceeds to the winner of the start-studded even would go to the nation of Haiti to further attempt relief efforts.
And those being called out by the newest member to the 28,000-point club? Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter and “one other big name.”
“The guys that are in it, no disrespect to them, but they wouldn’t really be any competition for LeBron,” O’Neal said.
Other “big names” would likely include Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and possibly even Dwight Howard.
Unfortunately, as Brian Windhorst writes, this attempt may be all for naught. Despite a large cash prize to the winner that TNT would surely pony up for given the names involved, getting NBA Superstars to take part in something that they are not sold on is quite a chore. Doing things for the “good of the game” (as Charles Barkley used to reference Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins participating in years past) doesn’t carry as much weight these days.
“I know Kobe and Shaq have supposedly put their stuff behind them, says Windhorst. “But, to Kobe, even if he wanted to do it, wouldn’t just the fact that Shaq was the one asking him be a reason not to?”
“I’m saying it now,” said O’Neal. “So tweet it. Facebook it. E-mail it and hopefully it gets out. Vince, we’re calling you out. Kobe, we’re calling you out. We’re calling everybody out. If those guys step up in the dunk contest, then I will allow my client to step up.”
Of course, we should factor in Bryant’s busted finger and Carter’s wonky shoulder along with Anthony’s bum knee and Wade’s missed time to do a flurry of injuries. This may all have been considered by O’Neal in the formation of his plan, but it also provides an “out” for James knowing that these superstars will not participate. Then again, they’re not the ones that got an entire arena fired up last season by announcing consideration for the event…
There is no doubt it would be for a great cause. Haitian relief is something that every high-grossing business should participate in. Ratings would be through the roof, and aside from the All-Star game itself, there is no other time that all of these big names would be competing against each other on the same night. And yes, there are better athletes – and younger athletes – in the NBA that would likely put on a better show. But none of them are named Kobe, Wade or LeBron.
But as laid out by Windhorst, Shaq’s plan will likely result in nothing more than a soudbite and a few articles. Would it be great to have the dunk contest actually focus on the dunks themselves instead of the costumes and props? Of course, but it won’t be happening this year. After all, what would the NBA do with all of the Sprite-laced “speed paintings” featuring Shannon Brown and Nate Robinson?
7 Comments
I think this really is a great all-around idea by Shaq. I have zero interest in watching the dunk competition for 2 reasons – the joke it has turned into, and the virtual no-names competing in it. But gimme some big-time names and a good cause and I’ll jump right back on board.
In a year when the NBA needs so positive publicity, this would be a great thing.
I agree with his sentiments, and agree that Kobe/VC would probably be the biggest draw for people that are marginally familiar/interested in the NBA. But, if you had LeBron, Howard, Josh Smith, and VC or something like that, you’d have a much better actual contest. I know you need a few names to draw people in, but you also need to wow them after they tune in.
Does anybody else think that this might be a slight attempt at deflecting the criticism of LeBron as well? I think it’s largely genuine but I could see a bit of bail-out being planted there as well. “Well, since Kobe and Vince aren’t in, you know…”
The idea of putting half of the winnings to Haiti is a great idea as well, especially since they got hit again this morning with another quake.
Who cares about the dunk contest if Shaq is so interested let him participate. This thing jumped the shark a long time ago.
@boogeyman,
Man, I would watch that dunk contest. A shark pool from the foul line to the basket? Tell me you wouldn’t watch anyone try that.
I agree with lebron not going to the dunk contest. If he win everybody say well he lebron of course he win, if he lose every body say wow he lost amazing.He is stuck inbetween a rock and a hard spot. Plus who wouldnt agree with Mike Brown; Lrbron REST!!!!!!!
Dear alex & boggey man,
DUH who wouldnt watch someone jump a shark tank. 🙂