In 1976, the ABA was in great financial difficulty. The league dies slowly and it needs a second breath. Carl Sheer, who died in December 2019, then invented the Slam Dunk Contest and Julius Erving marks the spirits for the first competition, with his dunk of the launch line-free.
Eight years later, the Dunks competition appeared in the NBA, in Denver, during the All-Star Game. On January 29, 1984, Julius Erving as well as eight other participants, including Clyde Drexler and Dominique Wilkins, the late Orlando Woolridge or the immense Ralph Sampson (2m24), are found to become pioneers.
Eyes robbed on Julius Erving
“Dr. J”, legend of the ABA and undisputed star of the NBA, is obviously the immense favorite on paper, as well as the attraction of this first Dunks NBA version competition.
“The whole show was built around him and we felt electricity in the room”recalls one of his opponents, Michael Cooper, To Bleacher Report. “Participating with the one who had won the competition in 1976 with a dunk on the free throw line was an honor”adds Darrell Griffith, another participant.
For others, like Larry Nance, the father of the current interior of the Hawks, challenging Julius Erving is obviously an additional motivation, but it is not the only one to participate in this event.
“I wanted a Chevrolet Camaro from 1967 at the time. I wanted it so much. As soon as I heard about this contest, I told myself that with the 10,000 dollars of reward, I could have my car. I had not seen the 1976 competition, but the second reason was Dr. J. The best dunkeeur in the story in my opinion. I was not looking at a lot of basketball but I was very attentive as soon as it was Erving. It was cool to face it. »»
The “prehistory” of the Dunks competition
It is still necessary to beat the NBA 1983 champion. The two players meet in the final and as Julius Erving, despite a new flight since the free throw line, misses a dunk, and that at the time, it counts in the Notes, Larry Nance can fly to victory.
“I had my Camaro”, he says, thirty years later. “This car went back and forth. I have sold it and bought it several times, but it is far now. On the other hand, the trophy is well at home. »»
Above all, the competition is now launched in the NBA. A few years later, the duel Michael Jordan – Dominique Wilkins brought him into legend, before the memorable victories of Vince Carter obviously (2000), or more recently Zach Lavine.
This 1984 edition, like the first in the 1980s, retains a unique charm, by its raw aspect.
“I think nobody knew what was going to happen. Today is more a show. There were no gimmicks, players who jump above the others. It was prehistoric “Clyde Drexler analysis. “Players who participate are now prepared and have accessories, people who hold the ball for them“, Continues Michael Cooper. “We had our two legs, our relaxation, the ball and the circle. The Dunk, for me, is an individual artistic movement. You don't jump over a car. »»
