This year, and for the second time in its history, the NBA will be packing its bags in Cleveland for All-Star Weekend. The first time was just 25 years ago, in 1997, for its 50th anniversary.
And a certain rookie who answered to the name of Kobe Bryant took advantage of his arrival in Ohio to make a name for himself in the league.
On February 7, the one who was not yet nicknamed the “Black Mamba” had first set the scoring record (since beaten) of a Rising Stars Challenge, scoring 31 points (8/17 on shots and 13/ 16 in throws) for the West, against the selection of young players from the East. Unfortunately, the rear of the Lakers could not win that night and it was the no less famous Allen Iverson who left with the MVP trophy for the event.
But the next day, February 8, Kobe Bryant nevertheless consoled himself by winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest, ahead of Ray Allen, Michael Finley, Darvin Ham, Chris Carr and Bob Sura. A plateau far from famous but which had the merit of allowing the 13th choice of the 1996 Draft to become the youngest winner of the competition, at (only) 18 years and 169 days!
Another failure that pushes the NBA to… delete the contest
To date, however, many consider this Slam Dunk Contest to be the worst in history. Because, beyond not counting a real headliner as in the past, the 14th edition of this competition did not see any iconic or original dunks being successful there, finally crowning someone almost “by default”.
Some will gladly remember Kobe Bryant’s “rider” in the final, because no other dunk could match this one anyway.
In turn, Ray Allen, Michael Finley, Darvin Ham, Chris Carr and Bob Sura (the darling of the public, because a member of the Cavaliers) meanwhile generally disappointed, lining up windmills, “double-pumps” or the “alley-oops”, when the failures were not at the rendezvous.
For his part, Kobe Bryant will have qualified for the final with a score of 37 (out of 50…), before inheriting a score of 49 to win the title, with his “rider”.
And to realize the resounding failure of this sometimes embarrassing Slam Dunk Contest (isn’t it Michael Finley…) and in line with the precedents, just remember that the NBA purely and simply decided to withdraw the dunk contest from All-Star Weekend in 1998! Only bringing it back in 2000, bowing to fan pressure, after the 1999 edition was canceled due to a lockout.
Much good took David Stern and his advisers, because a certain Vince Carter was going to revive the event, with a legendary performance…
