NBA All-Star Weekend: 5 Ways to Improve Dunk Competition

Feb 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates with Toronto Raptors guard Terrence Ross (31) and Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) after the 2014 NBA All Star dunk contest at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 6

1. Actually explain the rules

Feb 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA former players Shaquille O /

The writers in the building were confused. The fans in attendance had no clue what was going on. Those of us watching on television got the full rundown and yet we still couldn’t understand what was going on. Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith made fun of the format before any of us saw how much of a train wreck it was going to be. That’s not good.

Whatever the rules are going to be, the NBA needs to do a better job of prepping us. When John Wall finished off his dunk, I was left thinking that it’s too bad Wall and Ben McLemore couldn’t go on to the next round together. Oh, except there was no next round. I’m a fanatic — much more than a casual fan — yet I had no clue what was going on.

Next year, give us a better explanation ahead of time so that we can figure it out and be more prepared.