During the beginning of the All-Star Weekend, Jamal Crawford was seen teaching a few moves to Victor Wembanyama to improve the latter’s handles.

Over the weekend, during the podcast, Draymond Green asked JC to talk about Wemby. Crawford, who is known for his excellent analysis, believed that Gregg Popovich will be responsible for the 7ft 4” youngster’s success. Before recalling an incident that left Crawford in awe of the European, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year revealed how he wasn’t sure what Wemby’s best attribute was.

“Before he came in the league, I said he obviously has a cheat code in Pop, right? But I said his skill, whatever he does best early, we don’t know. But, Pop’s going to play him to his strength… The cheat is Pop though because I don’t think Wemby’s best attribute is scoring. I’m not sure what it is right now,” Crawford claimed.

As surprising as it may sound, despite the surreal hype, Crawford believes that the 20-year-old is better than what he’s projected to be.

“He’s actually better than the hype. It’s insane,” Crawford boldly claimed.

Wembanyama has arguably been the most hyped player to enter the NBA since LeBron James. Some analysts even claimed that Wemby needed to have a Hall-of-Fame type career in order to live up to all the expectations. Despite the fans’ lofty demands so far, the San Antonio Spurs big man has been meeting the expectations, averaging 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game this season.

Victor Wembanyama talks about his rookie season

Over the All-Star Weekend, Victor Wembanyama was a part of TNT’s broadcast, answering questions that Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson Jr. had prepared for him.

Wemby spoke about his rookie year experience, so far, explaining how he’s been lucky to learn what he has and face the many challenges he did.

“It’s been a pleasure also to be on that court and experience this. I’ve learned so much in just a couple months more than in any little span like this before in my life and just living the dream… It’s been a lot of challenges, it’s been hard but I wouldn’t want it to be easy,” Wemby said.

Wemby also said that the constant losing has been extremely tough for him.

“I think actually this (losing) has been the one of the hard things you know this season,” Wembanyama said.

To be fair, the San Antonio Spurs weren’t expected to be a playoff-contending team. At the same time, fans wouldn’t even expect them to sit dead last in the Western Conference standings.

In terms of individual performance, Wemby’s incredible production has been one of the very few positive takeaways for the Texas side. It won’t be surprising to see the Spurs center win the Rookie of the Year once the 2023-24 season gets over.

The post “The Cheat Code Is…”: Jamal Crawford and Draymond Green Discuss Victor Wembanyama’s ‘Greatest Strength’ During All-Star Weekend appeared first on The SportsRush.

Podziemski isn’t apprehensive about challenging the Warriors’ superstars despite being a rookie. A report by The Athletic revealed that the rookie guard arranged a quiz competition that involved money. Thompson was hesitant to participate, which prompted Podziemski to remind him that he was participating in the quiz despite earning $4.05 million a year, $39.86 Million less than Klay’s salary for the 2023-24 season.

The rookie’s jibe did not sit well with the four-time NBA champion, who told him to stop “pocket-watching.”

pic.twitter.com/DbAiFWKleJ

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

Podziemski’s lack of fear in calling out Thompson for refusing to participate in the quiz despite the $39.86 million difference in their salaries showcases his mentality. He believed in his ability to win the quiz, despite money being at stake, and wasn’t willing to take no for an answer from the 34-year-old.

Podziemski’s confidence is commendable and indicates why the Warriors trust him to close games despite his rookie status.

Brandin Podziemski is not afraid to call out Draymond Green

Draymond Green has been the vocal and emotional leader of the Warriors since his sophomore season. The veteran forward has gotten into a public spat with teammates and is often the first to call them out if he spots them lacking on the court. While most rookies only listen to what Green says, Podziemski isn’t afraid to call out the veteran forward and give him a taste of his medicine.

Before the Warriors’ second game of the season, the team had set up a scrimmage between the starters and the rotation players. Green and Podziemski were on the same team and lost the game after the veteran turned the ball over. The rookie immediately criticized the veteran and left him astonished. However, Green took it in stride, saying,

“I was like, ‘OK, cool, you got it. No problem. Here we are playing a pick-up game, a game to get me ready and he’s yelling at me. That to me said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time.’”

Podz getting at Dray over a turnover during scrimmage

Via @anthonyVslater

Link: https://t.co/rl1RDS11IU pic.twitter.com/a3XrGr8qyx

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

The Warriors are encouraging Podziemski’s leadership and are benefitting from it. The team has a history of turning guards into superstars, and he could be the latest to join the ranks of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole in leading the franchise to glory.

The post Despite Earning More Than Brandin Podziemski, Klay Thompson Hit Warriors Rookie With ‘Pocket Watching’ Claim appeared first on The SportsRush.

Mrs. Curry has recently shared the trailer for her upcoming film, ‘Irish Wish’ from her Instagram. With the caption, “Irish Wish comes to Netflix March 15,” the 34-year-old announced the details of the new project publicly. It evidently put an end to the long hiatus from her acting career as her followers took notice of the declaration.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)

Alike her admirers, her husband became a prominent voice in the comment section. The Golden State Warriors talisman publicly backed his partner. “Ayyyye I know one of the bridesmaids in the movie!!!” the 35-year-old mentioned to display support to his wife.

Steph is hyped about Ayesha’s new movie with Lindsay Lohan pic.twitter.com/olhY2zvjJE

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) February 21, 2024

Alongside supporting his love interest, Curry’s actions further strengthened his bond with the movie’s lead actress Lohan. The Splash Brother’s close relationship with the 37-year-old recently came to the forefront after the artist paid a visit to a Warriors game. During the home clash against the Atlanta Hawks, she and her husband Bader Shammas embraced the front-row seats. The 2x MVP respected their presence as he greeted the couple ahead of the game.

On February 3rd, Steph Curry asked me what day it was.

Lindsay Lohan has a front-row seat for tonight’s game pic.twitter.com/O5Pc1gqatM

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 4, 2024

Soon after the conclusion of the match, the 2022 Finals MVP expanded on the gesture while showcasing his commendable off-court persona. Despite a heartbreaking home defeat, the Akron-born presented the visitors with his game-worn 60-point jersey. This further showcased the closeness between them as the couple seemingly cherished the gift.

The intersection between entertainment and sports has excited the followers to a large extent. At the same time, it has aided in transcending the influence of the 6ft 2″ point guard beyond the basketball court. Hence, the unique dynamics between the families have remained a particular area of interest since then.

A closer look at the connection between Stephen Curry and Lindsay Lohan

Seven months back, the Hollywood couple welcomed their first child after Lohan gave birth to her son Luai Shammas. In yet another unexpected fashion, they proposed to the NBA couple to become their kid’s godparents. The Curry household agreed to the occasion as it marked a significant juncture between the two households.

Therefore, Curry’s gift held far greater importance as the NBA icon shared a message through his gesture. The backcourt maestro wrote on the jersey, “To Luai, your godparents love you!”. The heartwarming present later became public knowledge as Lohan shared the note through her Instagram story.

Steph’s game-worn jersey that he gave to @lindsaylohan 2 weeks ago https://t.co/F5WPjVymIU pic.twitter.com/gnaAMNWkFW

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) February 21, 2024

This further puts into perspective how the families have linked themselves together for the rest of their lives. Moments such as this add a heartening aspect to the otherwise competitive sport. With Curry remaining the center of it this time around, the actions set a benchmark for the rest of the league.

The post 2 Weeks After Gifting Lindsay Lohan 60-Pt Jersey, Stephen Curry Shows Excitement for Ayesha Curry’s Role in Her New Movie appeared first on The SportsRush.

The scenario circled the host’s close-ended question, “Who do you think is the best player in the NBA right now?”. “Myself,” the 6ft 8″ youngster replied while displaying immense faith in his ability and development. The blend of self-belief and promptness caught Andrews by surprise as she asked the 5x All-Star about the secret to his rising “confidence”.

“I got a lot of respect for a lot of guys in the league. Giannis [Antetokounmpo],  for sure. [Nikola] Jokic, obviously just won. [Joel] Embiid, the guys that won MVPs and the list goes on as the league is in a great place. I truly do believe every night I step on the floor, I’m the best player,” the Missouri-born stated.

The paramount shift in mindset since the defeat in the Finals excited the journalist as she asked for the intricate details. Tatum promptly agreed to the notion as he credited the heartbreaking moment as a major turning point in his career.

“I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason and maybe I needed to go through that for something. Haven’t figured that out yet but it happened and I have grown from it. I have learned from it. In a weird way, I’m thankful for it. As tough as it was, as much as it hurt, I’m thankful that I went through that and I think that has made me a better person and player,” the 2017 draft pick mentioned.

The episode captured how his complex emotions after the setback dictated his unwavering confidence. A major defeat at a career-defining stage for the first and only time in his 7-year-long NBA journey raised question marks around him. The franchise’s inability to hold on to a 2-1 lead before succumbing to a 2-4 loss resulted in doubts over his ability. Yet, the 2023 All-Star Game MVP has seemingly made peace with the occasion while adopting a positive outlook for the future.

The biggest defeat fueled the competitive edge of Jayson Tatum

The 25-year-old has established his status as an NBA sensation since entering the league in 2017. After making the 2018 All-Rookie First Team, his development underwent a gradual upward curve. The situation suddenly changed following the humiliating 2022 NBA Finals defeat to the Golden State Warriors.

The Celtics forward hence began the previous campaign with a mission in his mind. His rapid exponential growth shocked the league as the youngster averaged career-high digits in points per game (30.1), rebounds per game (8.8), and assists per game (4.6). The endeavors paid dividends as the organization reached the conference finals before falling short due to fine margins.

“Honor to meet you.”

Jayson Tatum got to meet Larry Bird for the first time! pic.twitter.com/iZ0xcMa9pd

— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2024

Interestingly, this campaign has been an extension of the last one as Tatum currently averages 27.1 points per game, 8.6 rebounds per game, and 4.8 assists per game. Emerging as the face of the franchise, the 6ft 8″ forward has already entered the top 5 rankings of the MVP race. Therefore, his confidence remains justified as the Celtics star has been able to comfortably back it up with numbers.

The post Jayson Tatum Describes ‘Weird’ Emotion Towards 2022 Finals, Makes ‘Best Player in the NBA’ Claim With Malika Andrews appeared first on The SportsRush.

What is Brandin Podziemski’s height and wingspan?

The Golden State Warriors listed Brandin Podziemski at 6ft 4”. However, during the 2023 NBA Draft combine, Podziemski measured 6ft 3.75” barefoot with a 6ft 5.5” wingspan.

How much does Brandin Podziemski weigh?

Even though Brandin Podziemski measured 203.8 lbs during the 2023 NBA Draft Combine, the Golden State Warriors have listed the rookie guard at 205 lbs. Despite being one of the lighter players on the squad, Podz doesn’t think twice before putting his body on the line on every single possession.

Brandin Podziemski’s Age

Brandon Podziemski was born on February 25, 2003. He is 20 years old and is the youngest player on the Golden State Warriors. Podziemski is 270 days younger than the second-youngest player on the GSW squad Moses Moody.

Brandin Podziemski Salary

With the virtue of being the 19^th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Brandin Podziemski was signed to a four-year, $16,239,819 contract with the Golden State Warriors. Even though he’s set to earn an average salary of $4,059,955, Podziemski is earning $3,352,440 during his rookie season.

Brandin Podziemski College Stats

Before representing the Golden State Warriors, Brandin Podziemski spent his college years as a member of the Illinois Fighting Illini for the 2021-2022 season and the Santa Clara Broncos for the 2022-2023 season.

During the 2021-2022 season, Podziemski was not even in the rotation for the Illinois side. Playing only 4.3 minutes per game, he averaged only 1.4 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game.

Podz spent his sophomore season for the Broncos and had a breakout campaign. Starting all 32 games of the season, the guard averaged a staggering 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

Brandin Podziemski height

Brandin Podziemski stands at 6ft 4”. Despite being the fourth shortest player on the roster, Podziemski is averaging the third most rebounds per game (5.8), trailing only Draymond Green and Kevon Looney.

The post Brandin Podziemski Wingspan and Other FAQs About Warriors Rookie Sensation appeared first on The SportsRush.

In The Athletic’s recent feature on Brandin Podziemski, Anthony Slater narrated several stories from the youngster’s rookie campaign. As detailed by Slater, the 6ft 5” guard proved his worth during the preseason camp by defeating two of the greatest point guards of all time – Stephen Curry and Chris Paul – ever in a “King of the Court” style one-on-one contest.

Slater detailed how Podziemski was also chirping at the two future Hall-Of-Famers. While CP3 remembered the Tiger Woods-style fist-pump that the 20-year-old did, Steph recollected how the latter was not afraid to taunt the veterans. Anthony Slater wrote:

The rookie was giving it to two of the greatest to ever do it at the point guard position and alerting anyone within earshot of the damage.

“He did the Tiger (Woods) fist-pump,” Paul said, shaking his head.

“‘Let’s f—g go!’” Curry remembers him taunting. “That was hilarious.”

Brandin Podziemski is a winner through and through pic.twitter.com/clxupSOosm

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) February 21, 2024

Despite being the youngest player on the Golden State Warriors roster, the Southpaw plays with a tremendous amount of courage, putting his body on the line on every single play. Having a fearless mentality and not being afraid to call out his teammates is something that the Warriors have appreciated and benefitted from massively this season. ‘Podz’ is now a key member of the Warriors’ rotation, and is even started by head coach Steve Kerr on occasion. And it’s hard not to give credit to his unyielding confidence for the same.

Brandin Podziemski called out Draymond Green for a turnover

Draymond Green is the leader of the Golden State Warriors, who often gives his piece of mind to players when he feels fit. However, Green was on the receiving end when Brandin Podziemski was frustrated with the defensive specialist’s costly turnover.

During a scrimmage, Podz’s side lost a game due to Dray’s mistake. Despite being a rookie, the combo guard decided to speak up and call the four-time champ out.

“We can’t have a turnover for game!” Podziemski told Green. “You cannot turn the ball over for game.”

Since taking on the leadership role for the Bay Area side, Green hasn’t had any player, let alone a rookie, address him that way. However, the four-time All-Star wasn’t hurt. Instead, he appreciated Brandin and asked him to speak up “all the time”.

“I was like, ‘OK, cool, you got it. No problem,’” Green said. “Here we are playing a pick-up game, a game to get me ready and he’s yelling at me. That to me said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time.’”

Podz getting at Dray over a turnover during scrimmage

Via @anthonyVslater

Link: https://t.co/rl1RDS11IU pic.twitter.com/a3XrGr8qyx

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

Brandin Podziemski has proven to be a crucial player for Steve Kerr. After taking a few months to find his rhythm, averaging 6 points, 2.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds in October and November, Kerr increased the youngster’s minutes from December onwards.

He’s even started 14 games this season and has been an asset on both ends of the floor. For the season, he’s averaging a staggering 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Even after Chris Paul makes his return to the lineup from injury, Podz gives the Warriors the luxury of having three playmaking guards on the roster.

Brandin Podziemski will play a crucial role in the remainder of the season as the Warriors make a playoff push.

The post “Did the Tiger Woods Fist Pump!”: Chris Paul and Stephen Curry Recall Rookie Brandin Podziemski Beating Them in ‘King of the Court’ appeared first on The SportsRush.

The Heat got O’Neal on a discount. They gave up Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a future first-round pick to land the veteran center. The Lakers were insistent on Odom, who played a critical role in helping the Lakers win back-to-back NBA titles in 2009 and 2010. However, his arrival in Miami was due to an agent’s mistake.

 

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A post shared by Miami Heat Live Love (@miamiheat._.livelove)

In 2003, Heat point guard Anthony Carter was entering the final year of his deal with the franchise and had a $4.1 million player option. He had averaged only 4.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.5 rebounds the previous year and wasn’t going to receive any substantial offers. The NBA has a June 30 deadline for players who want to opt-in to the final year of their contracts. However, Carter’s agent missed the deadline, and his client became a free agent.

The gaffe gave the Heat breathing room on their cap space and they offered a six-year, $65 million deal to Odom, who was a restricted free agent. The Heats then traded Odom to the Lakers for Shaquille O’Neal, who helped Miami win their first championship.

Shaq reminds others of how Heat was able to make a move for him pic.twitter.com/BzlCQwfQgQ

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) February 21, 2024

After Anthony Carter lost out on a massive payday due to an unforgivable error from his agent, he was forced to sign a $750,000 deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He played for eight more years in the NBA after his exit from the Heat and earned only $7.2 million. The agent whose error led to Carter losing out on $3.35 million in 2004 paid out the amount to the former Heat player in 18 installments from 2003 to 2020.

Carter’s agent forgetting to call the Heat and informing them that their player wanted to opt into the final year of his deal altered the course of NBA history. O’Neal shared the video of the timeline of these events on his Instagram page to remind his followers how a minute error proceeded to help add another title to his resume.

Anthony Carter and Lamar Odom’s career paths after the 2003 mishap

Carter retired from the NBA in 2012 and took up coaching. He was on the Sacramento Kings’ coaching staff during the 2015-16 season before returning to the Heat in 2018 in a player development role. He spent five years with the franchise before joining the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant coach.

Lamar Odom spent one year with the Heat before being shipped off to LA as the main asset in the O’Neal trade. The big man spent seven seasons as a Lakers and became a fan favourite. He helped the franchise win two NBA titles and is remembered fondly by the team’s fans. In the end, Carter’s agent’s mistake worked out well for Odom and O’Neal, while he lost $3.35 million and presumably some potential clients.

The post Shaquille O’Neal Recalls How a $3.35 Million ‘Mistake’ Helped Him Win 4th Championship With Dwyane Wade appeared first on The SportsRush.

Reflecting on the statements of the 4x MVP, Williams unhesitantly agreed with the Akron-born. While sharing his perspective, the 37-year-old put the Black Mamba’s 2016 retirement tour under the limelight, pointing out how occasions of such gravity often impact the team and the NBA.

“You never know when it’s gonna end and I learned that from Kobe Bryant, right? ..We went from a team that was developing young talent in Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell, and those guys to, ‘Hey, this year is about Kobe. This is a farewell tour. Let’s just go out and play as best we can,'” the sports analyst mentioned.

Following this, the Tennessee-born discussed the frame of mind of the 20x All-Star, stating,

“So Bron, I think he is still in the mindset of thinking, ‘I don’t know when it’s gonna be over. I’m gonna compete at a high level as long as I can and once that day comes, I’ll cross that bridge, when I get there'”.

Is it impossible to predict when LeBron James will retire when he’s still playing at such a high level? pic.twitter.com/q1EfqAwJDf

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 20, 2024

Despite the retirement remaining inevitable, the Lakers star seemingly has plenty left in the tank. Therefore, his adopted stoic approach of living in the present and controlling the controllable stays a justified one. Upon viewing the entire scenario through that lens, the parallels between his and Bryant’s twilight days paint a nearly similar picture.

Should LeBron James retire soon?

Despite nearing the age of 40, the 2003 draft pick continues to operate at a high level. Last season, he averaged 28.9 points per game while registering 8.3 rebounds per game, and 6.8 assists per game. His endeavours resulted in the franchise qualifying for the Western Conference playoffs.

This season has been a repeat of it as James regained his status as a facilitator. Averaging a remarkable 34.9 minutes per game, he is recording a stat line of 24.8 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game, and 7.8 assists per game. On top of it, even in his 21st season in the league, the 2008 scoring champion remains one of the fastest players while covering the court in a straight line.

All these put into perspective the athletic qualities of the 2020 assists leader. His prowess as a competitor has maintained his status as a leading figure in the NBA. Simultaneously, his on and off-court actions serve as benchmarks for the aspirants to this day. Thus, all aspects considered, his departure from the league seems far away.

The post “I Learned That From Kobe Bryant”: Former Clippers Star Predicts When LeBron James Will Retire appeared first on The SportsRush.

Only a handful of players have had the luxury of getting a farewell tour. In November 2015, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant announced 15 games into the season that he’d retire at the end of the 2015-16 campaign. The Lakers’ roster was equipped to earn a playoff spot, making the rest of the season all about celebrating the five-time NBA champion’s career. Bryant was felicitated with gifts and tribute videos at every arena in the NBA, including the Lakers’ arch-nemesis Boston Celtics‘ TD Garden.

While Bryant received adulation at every arena, not every icon’s final season was met with the same fanfare. In September 2016, Paul Pierce announced that the 2016-17 season would be his last in the NBA. His farewell tour paled in comparison to Bryant’s, and Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green even used it to mock the former Finals MVP.

In February 2017, Pierce’s Los Angeles Clippers visited the Warriors’ Oracle Arena. Less than a minute into the game, Green got into a verbal spat with the forward, who was on the bench, and said,

“Chasing that farewell tour, they don’t love you like that. You can’t get no farewell tour, they don’t love you like that. You ain’t got that type of love. You thought you was Kobe.”

A farewell tour is a distinction only a few players in NBA history have earned. Bryant is the most recent recipient, and it’ll be a while before we see another player get showered with love like he was in his final season.

LeBron James contemplating a farewell tour

The next player to retire from the NBA with a resume comparable to Kobe Bryant’s will likely be LeBron James. The four-time NBA champion turned 39 in December 2023 and recently was asked about his potential retirement date during the All-Star weekend in Indiana. He revealed he doesn’t know when he’ll leave the sport but knows he doesn’t have too many years left.

The Lakers superstar was asked if he would announce his retirement a year in advance and embark on a farewell tour. He claimed he’s 50/50 on announcing it beforehand and retiring out of the blue like San Antonio Spurs icon Tim Duncan. He said,

“There’s times when I feel like I guess I owe it to my fans that have been along this journey with me for two decades plus, to be able to give them that moment where it’s every city and whatever the case may be and they give you your flowers or whatever the case may be… But the other side of I’ve never been that great with accepting like praise. It’s a weird feeling for me. I never really talked about it much, but it’s just a weird feeling for me.” 

Given his accomplishments, it’s a no-brainer that James should embark on a farewell tour. However, unlike Bryant in his final few seasons, he’s still playing at an All-NBA level. Announcing his retirement beforehand while still producing at an elite level might not be wise. It’s unclear what the best path for James is, but he deserves to be celebrated in every arena like Bryant was in his final year.

The post What Is a Farewell Tour in the NBA? Looking Back at Draymond Green’s Diss on Paul Pierce About Kobe Bryant’s Farewell Tour appeared first on The SportsRush.

Mac McClung on his NBA Mount Rushmore of dunkers :

Zach LaVine
Vince Carter
Michael Jordan
Dominique Wilkins

Do you agree with this list?

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/pLenByDS3s

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 16, 2024

Jordan and Wilkins acknowledged that the Slam Dunk contest isn’t what it used to be, with NBA superstars refusing to take part. However, Jordan was quick to point out that it has become more difficult now as the players need to be more creative. For them, there weren’t any varieties of dunks that the fans had seen, whereas, over the years, they have witnessed everything. This leads to the participants having to either repeat or be extra creative.

In an article by ‘AP News‘, the six-time NBA champion talks about his Slam Dunk Contest experience and battles with Wilkins before choosing his best dunk over the years. He says, “The most amazing dunk I have ever seen is probably Vince Carter when he hung his elbow in the rim. To me, that was, without question, just unbelievable.” Michael Jordan, like most of us, believed that the Vince Carter dunks were the best in the history of the contest.

Despite having some of the best sky-walkers in his era, he still gave Carter the nod. In fact, most of Jordan’s dunks still remain iconic. No one can ever forget the dunk from the free-throw line that left the whole arena gobsmacked. That being said, no one would debate Jordan picking Carter. Arguably, one of the greatest dunkers in the NBA, Vince Carter was ‘half man-half amazing’. His dunks have become the barometer for any young player wanting to prove himself in the contest.

Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins talk about LeBron James

The All-Star Dunk Contest lineups have taken a 180-degree flip over the years. Earlier, it had All-Star caliber players participating, whereas now, most names are unknown to the casual NBA fan. The last two editions of the contest have been won by a G-League player. Wilkins and Jordan realized the shift and talked about wanting to see NBA superstars like LeBron James participating in the contest. Here is an excerpt from the ‘AP News’ article:

“‘I’d have loved to have seen LeBron,’ Wilkins said.

Jordan agreed, saying he knows fans are clamoring to have seen James try it at least once.

‘What we did in the game and excitement that we created when we did dunk,’ Jordan said. ‘People wanted to see that. Is it the same today? Maybe not.'”

Michael Jordan agreed with his fellow competitor and talked about the excitement slowly dying out from the contest. And, they are not wrong. Over the past few years, the Slam Dunk Contest has lost its charm as NBA stars refuse to participate. There is no dearth of talent in the league at present. NBA stars like Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, and Zion Williamson can still revive the contest if they are willing to do so. The NBA should take a hard look at the future of the competition.

The post “Most Amazing Dunk I’ve Ever Seen”: When Michael Jordan Discussed Dunk Contests With Dominique Wilkins, Brought Up LeBron James appeared first on The SportsRush.