Orlando Magic News for January 22nd: Will Dwight Howard Repeat As The Slam Dunk Champion?

by erivera7 on Jan 22, 2009 1:40 AM EST in News

I was going to simply post this as a FanShot, but given that both Ben & I have been flooding the front page with FanShots galore the past few days, I figured it'd be good to break the monotony a bit and make an actual post instead.

Anyways, most of you - I'm sure - are aware that Portland Trail Blazers rookie phenom Rudy Fernandez recently was voted in as the 4th player in the 2009 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. With the Spaniard chosen as the fan vote, the field has been set and these will be the participants.

- (Portland Trail Blazers) Rudy Fernandez

- (Memphis Grizzilies) Rudy Gay

- (Orlando Magic) Dwight Howard [2008 Slam Dunk Champion]

- (New York Knicks) Nate Robinson [2006 Slam Dunk Champion]

To help promote the event, the participating dunkers in the contest have released (just a few days ago) intro videos explaining why they think they'll win this year.

Here is Howard's vid.

Superman will be looking to chase history as being the third repeat Slam Dunk champion in the history of the contest. The only players to currently carry that honor? His Airness, Michael Jordan (winning in 1987 & 1988) and Jason Richardson (winning in 2002 & 2003).

Will Dwight Howard repeat as champ?

Vote & provide your thoughts in the comments section. If you DON'T think Howard will win this year, who do you think will take the crown?

Poll

Will Dwight Howard Repeat As The Slam Dunk Champion?

Yes

47 votes

No

11 votes

58 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Around SB Nation

Los Angeles Clippers-101 Memphis Grizzlies-97. Clippers Hold Home Court with Overtime Victory

May 2012 from Clips Nation - 330 comments

Update on the Bobcats coaching hunt: Interviews begin

May 2012 from Rufus on Fire - 20 comments

Grizzlies 97, Clippers 101: Not Enough. (Game 4 WCQF Recap)

May 2012 from Straight Outta Vancouver - 19 comments

Recalling That One 2010 NBA Trade Deadline Offer - Chris Paul to the Grizzlies for O.J. Mayo

May 2012 from Straight Outta Vancouver - 18 comments

Spurs Fans Should Want the Grizzlies in the Semis

May 2012 from Pounding The Rock - 25 comments

Comments

I don't want to jinx him, but I think Superman will repeat.

Two reasons.

= I like his chances against the competition. That’s not an indictment on the other three participants, but just .. Dwight’s a freak, okay.
= I KNOW he has something crazy up his sleeve, and I also KNOW he has some old tricks in his bag he’s yet to pull out.

Remember the ‘kiss the rim’ dunk? That was supposed to be a dunk Howard was going to use in the 2007 contest, but he didn’t .. because he got ~~screwed~~ eliminated in the 1st Round that year. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dwight used the ‘kiss the rim’ dunk this year. I mean .. honestly, the dunk is ridiculous and would easily garner a 50. I can go on but I’ll stop

Anyways, we shall see.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 22, 2009 4:21 AM EST reply actions

J-RICH also won Back-2-Back in 02 and 03....

Come on Erivera! That was a rookie oversight! (just rattling your cage mate, love your work!)

I think Dwight will repeat too. Gotta imagine his Superstar status, plus the fact that he is defending champ will have the judges giving him a little bit of preference before it even starts!

However, i am NOT looking forward to Nate Robinson dunking. It DOES look cool to see a little guy get up like he does, but he is a bit of a one trick pony, and when it takes 14 attempts to make the pony do its trick, its a sure-fire sign he shouldn’t be there.

by FLYNN47 on Jan 22, 2009 4:59 PM EST reply actions

D'oh. Thanks for picking that up (and the kind words!)

All this school is overloading my memory banks apparently!

Anyways, yeah, that’s another reason why I think Dwight will repeat. Status, as you mentioned. He’s a bonafide superstar and clearly he’s going to get a little preferential treatment from the judges (now if only that could cross over to the refs in a game, but that’s another story!). Great point.

The only other player in the contest I think can give a run for his money, surprisingly .. is Rudy Fernandez. I’ve been snooping over at Blazers Edge and he’s got some tricks up his sleeves I’m certain will wow the crowd. Think soccer/futbol .. and you’ll see what I mean.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 22, 2009 5:13 PM EST up reply actions

Could be very eye opening based on what you’ve said!

Vaguely related, but people have overlooked another Magic team member that may be present at the ASW; Mr. Van Gundy as coach of the East? Doc Rivers can’t qualify this year, even if the Celts are ranked 1st by then, I think Stan would have a great shot!

by FLYNN47 on Jan 22, 2009 10:58 PM EST up reply actions