As Laker fans, it’s hard to forget about the disappointment we felt after Shannon Brown’s less-than-thrilling performance in the 2010 Slam Dunk Contest during last year’s All Star Weekend in Dallas, Tex.
Shannon came into the contest as one of the most hyped participants ever. He had only donned the forum blue and gold for just slightly longer than a year, but he had been forcing fans to jump out of their seats and cheer as if Kobe was a rookie again – when he was putting the ball between his legs or doing a 360 before slamming it home. 
Whether in the arena or watching the game on television, whenever Shannon brown heads to the scorers’ table to check-in, there is an instant buzz that filters through the arena. Everyone knows what to expect, they just don’t know when it’s coming – and that makes the actual occurrence of a Shannon “Cannon” Brown throw down, that more exciting.
Unfortunately for Shannon, when his name was called to participate in the dunk contest almost a year ago, the outcome of his performance did not reflect the sense of anticipation and excitement of the fans filling the Dallas Mavericks’ arena. Whatever the reason(s) was for Shannon’s lackluster showcase, he did not live up to expectations.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95s4yIi630g
Regardless, Shannon Brown is still a tremendous athlete and slam dunker; however, considering the fact that all of the dunks in the realm of possibility for NBA players have essentially been completed (and played out), the Dunk Contest has ultimately transformed from a display of athletic talent to an exhibition of creativity and humor.
While Shannon will not be participating in the dunk contest this year, another player down the hall from the Lakers’ locker room is, and he comes in as a participant with a similar story: a freak athlete, who is known for exiting, get-out-of-your-seat-and-yell-like-there’s-no-tomorrow throw downs, but has not had the chance to display a great deal of creativity with his slams.
This player is none other than rookie-sensation, Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite having played only 34 games to date, the 21-year old phenom has generated an insane amount of buzz behind his powerful throw downs. So much buzz, in fact, that if you “Google” Blake Griffin, the most popular searched phrase that includes his name is: “Blake Griffin Dunk.” Thus, he was an obvious candidate to participate in the annual dunk-a-thon.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gG4W0L41FI
Although Griffin is not a member of the Purple & Gold, he has easily become a league-wide fan-favorite, who is well on his way to becoming a superstar in this league. Since he will be the lone representative of the Staples Center’s teams in this year’s dunk contest (which will be held in Los Angeles this year), here are a few tips for Griffin as he prepares for the contest, so he doesn’t experience a performance akin to that of Shannon’s last year.
Next: Creativity Counts
It’s important to remember that the Slam Dunk Contest has been around since 1976 (however, it went on hiatus until 1984 following the NBA-ABA merger), which means that there have been hundreds of dunks attempted in that time span. What that also means, is that the amount of dunks that can realistically be completed is quickly narrowing. It’s not because the ideas aren’t there, but more so, the physical requirements to complete such dunks are not (and may never be) present.
With that being said, a lack of possible dunks means that players need to start getting creative – and they have; as seen in the dunks of recent participants, such as Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson and Gerald Green.
Players need not go to extreme levels to display such creativity, but they simply need to stop being “cool,” and instead, show that they actually put some time and effort into the contest. Maybe wear a costume and do themed dunk (a la Dwight Howard) or bring out some funny props – whatever it is, it should be entertaining.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO3c8EaxsxQ
Even if it isn’t the most spectacular display of athleticism, if a participant comes out and blows out a candle on a cupcake seated on the back of the rim, before throwing down a slightly above average dunk – the fans and judges are going to respond well.
Next: Making a Masterpiece
Dunking is an art. Just like a magnificent painting or terrific acting performance, a slam dunk has the opportunity to reside in a fan’s mind forever. Whether it’s something that has never been seen or a modern rendition of an old school dunk, there are so many ways that a dunker can turn his craft into a masterpiece.
Similar to the creativity aspect, it’s important to exhibit a well-thought out and planned set of dunks, but at the same time – make them unexpected and jaw-dropping. Even if it’s just hanging in the air slightly longer or jumping a little higher, a few inches is everything! Even if it takes a mess up on the first try, that’s okay. A a miss creates even more excitement because the fans got a tiny glimpse of what’s to come, and if the dunk is insane enough, they will be standing in disbelief when they see it completed.
What will be the moment of the dunk that everyone remembers? Will it be the initial take off, where everyone gasps? The twist-of-the-body movement in the air? Or the final slam, where the ball rockets through the net, and the dunker is seemingly floating down to the ground? Make all of the moments matter; turn every single one into a framable picture or into a video that is watched millions of times on YouTube. That’s what is important – making the dunk something that someone would want to buy, and own. It’s a contest of dunks, so sell the dunk for the highest price possible, because that’s what the fans and judges want to see.
Go back to 2002, where Jason Richardson stole the show. EVERY single person who watched that dunk contest remembers Richardson’s performance and how spectacular it was. He made his dunks a masterpiece, and he went home with a trophy because of it.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AajfrZpOVu4&feature=related
Next: Don’t Save Everything For the Final Round
So often, dunk contest participants are seen completing mediocre dunks in the first round of play. Why is this? Because they don’t want to use up their one or MAYBE two spectacular dunks that they plan on using in the final round. So if you’re reading this Blake Griffin: DO NOT DO THAT. Come out with your first dunk and let everyone in the stands know that for this contest, the arena is yours and nobody else’s.
Due to the trend created by players saving all of their best dunks for the final round, by completing an unexpectedly insane first round dunk, the contest is yours. Everyone will be thinking, “OMG, if this is what he did in the first round, I can’t even imagine what his next throw down will be!”
Leave the fans hanging early, not in the end. If they walk out of the stadium thinking they could have seen more, the dunker did not do his job. They need to feel as if there is nothing humanly possible for them to have seen. If the fans leave thinking that, and they are still cheering by the time they get to their car or hotel room, the dunker responsible is probably hoisting up a trophy at center court.
Leave nothing in the tank, let the fans no the gym is yours, even if it isn’t!
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVC3yBHjNvo