A dunk contest, huh? Just because you get a talented player that can dunk with ease and at will in the league doesn't mean you can round up enough talent to hold an actual contest. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of talent in the WNBA, but due to the God-given physical limitations, dunking is not one of the more accomplished skills among women ball players. In order to have a contest, you have to have a winner and a loser. At least 2 contestants. Brittney Griner and Candace Parker...maybe a few Nate Robinson-like sleepers? Even if you had viable contestants, would they risk injury and their season? Mavericks draft pick Shane Larkin recently broke his ankle going up for a dunk, and just like that he's out 8-12 weeks.
Come on, over the years, the men's dunk contest has been getting pretty lame. Between blowing out candles and jumping over Kias, the contest has become more about the props than the athletic prowess. Air Jordan will forever have his mark soaring from behind the free throw line, and Superman will always have his cape. But until they demoralize the sport by lowering the basket (I already despise the use of a smaller ball), there should not be a women's dunk contest. Fans will just need to settle for the already impressive, occasional drop-step dunks from phenom Griner.
Here's an idea: Why don't we try getting more teams in the league first. The league stands with 12 current teams, 6 of which are independently owned. This year is a breakout year with All-Stars Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne, and Skylar Diggins showcasing their talents as rookies. The league has a chance to grow and expand their fan base. A dunk contest, I fear, would be disastrous and only set back the league's growth and the respect it has earned.
-bObD.
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