The NBA All-Star Game’s dunk contest has lost its magic. Shaquille O’Neal said so in no uncertain terms during an interview with Boardroomwhere he voiced his frustration with an event that has failed to excite fans and those around the game for far too many years.
For the former Lakers center, the NBA’s dunk contest has two problems: on one hand, the complete absence of the league’s biggest stars (such as LeBron James and Zion Williamson, who have never wanted to participate); on the other, the excessive number of misses and failed attempts before finally completing a dunk.
A stark contrast to the historic battles of the 1980s and ’90s between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkinsor the iconic performances of Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin.
Rather than simply complaining, Shaq has decided to create an alternative by founding Dunkmana professional league dedicated exclusively to the best dunkers on the planet.
Dunkman: Shaq’s new project
O’Neal’s project under the proposed new name Dunkman, would feature 24 international athletes from all over the world (from England to China), competing in a series of live events with a $500,000 grand prize for the winner. Shaq has already promised that he could raise the prize to $1 million for truly extraordinary performances.
While the NBA has had to rely in recent years on specialists or young stars like Mac McClung to keep its own contest alive, Shaq’s bet is aimed at bringing back the spectacle and adrenaline that once made the art of dunking so special.
-
Carlos Baleba: How staff at Carrington reacted as Manchester United moved closer to a blockbuster deal
-
California Formally Clears Controversial Replacement Tyre Efficiency Programme
-
2027 Hyundai Tucson Unveiled with a Boxier Design and a Bigger SUV Presence
-
Isack Hadjar’s Injury Opens the Door for Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda to Revive Their Red Bull Prospects
-
Marcus Rashford unlikely to seek Manchester United’s No. 10 shirt
