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The 2017 NBA Dunk Contest was awful. I spent 30 minutes trying to find a better way to open this article, but there's no other way to put it. The dunk contest was just not good this year. The crowd knew it, the analysts knew it, and the viewers at home knew it. The 2016 dunk contest was great, but after that the contest hasn't been consistently special since the early 00's. The contest next year must be good enough to keep fans interested or it may lose its last slot of Saturday night to a much more interesting event, such as the three point contest. There are a lot of good dunkers in the league and if we get a few of them to participate (even those who have done it before), the dunk contest can be great again. Here's a few that come to mind.
Milwaukee Bucks - Giannis Antetokounmpo
If anyone has made a case that they should be in the dunk contest, it's Giannis Antetokounmpo. He had the best dunks of the All Star weekend and he did not participate in the dunk contest. From alley oops to windmills to posterizing Stephen Curry, Giannis had a lot of great dunks in the All-Star game. Giannis participated in the 2015 dunk contest, but he is a much bigger name now and can draw some excitement from the card. With his new found stardom and his athleticism, he is sure to be entertaining and get the crowd on their feet.
Los Angeles Lakers Larry Nance Jr.
With arguably the two greatest poster dunks of the season, Larry Nance Jr. is another potential candidate to participate in next year's dunk contest. The 6'9" Los Angeles Lakers power forward has amazing hops for big man, as you can see here.
Larry Nance can jump and hang in the air as well. Nance was invited to compete in this year's dunk contest, but sustained an injury that kept him out. He's most likely to compete next year and will put on a show. Maybe he'll even dunk over a few more people.
Minnesota Timberwolves - Andrew Wiggins
Wiggins is a Timberwolves player that is an excellent dunker, but is a much harder get. According to ESPN Wiggins hasn't competed in a dunk contest since his high school days, stating that he lost and believed he should've won. But, he hasn't ruled out competing in the dunk contest ever and what better year to compete than next season. Wiggins has had some of the best dunks this season and would be a great addition to the dunk contest. You never know and he definitely has enough time to change his mind and with the dunks that he's had over his career it would be an exciting dunk contest with him.
Phoenix Suns - Marquese Chris
Many people may not know of this man right here, but trust me, he can dunk like no other. Chris is a 6'10" power forward that plays for the Phoenix Suns and has hops similar to Blake Griffin. He's had a few jaw dropping dunks this season and definitely can get fans out of their seats. Chris is a young talent in the NBA and what better way to put your name on the map then competing in the NBA dunk contest. Chris would definitely have a great showing next year. Check out this windmill that he does with ease.
Honarable Mention: Toronto Raptors - Norman Powell
Demarr Derozan may get a lot of recognition for his high flying dunks, but a guy by the name of Norman Powell is known to get up there as well. This young 23 year old shooting guard has hops and may very well compete in next year's dunk contest. Powell is a name you should watch out for because if he competes, he will be one of my sleeper picks. Check out a few of his dunks in a game this season.
The 2017 NBA dunk contest was tragic, but there is still hope for 2018.