Vince Carter will NOT defend his crown!

[Jersey Devil]

Toronto's Vince Carter told TSN on Friday that he will not defend his slam-dunk crown during this year's NBA All-Star weekend.

The slam dunk air show will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10, as part of the All-Star festivities in Washington. Carter won last year's dunk title in San Francisco.

In 34 games this season, Carter is averaging 28.3 points per game, shooting 45.7 percent from the field.

Three questions:
1.) Does anybody going to make a special effort to see the contest now without Vince?
2.) Who's going to win?
3.) Who's even in the contest?

[Marc]

There's already a thread similar to this at:
http://www.sports-central.org/community/boards/showthread.php3?threadid=263

I'm disappointed we won't see Vince participate, and my answers to those questions are no, no, and no one anyone cares about anymore.

[rappel]

Vince Carter was incredible last year, but Steve Francis was not bad. Steve Francis is the second best dunker in the league, I'm sure they'll find some people, the Clippers I bet could have a couple of people in it. The dunk will still be exciting.

[lmanchur.]

Originally posted by rappel
Vince Carter was incredible last year, but Steve Francis was not bad. Steve Francis is the second best dunker in the league, I'm sure they'll find some people, the Clippers I bet could have a couple of people in it. The dunk will still be exciting.

Yeah, but for not-so-intense basketball fans like I -- those people will not tune into it on TV.

It's too bad for the NBA, but remember the reasons for Carter not entering it... unlike what we said a few months ago ("dunking's not what I'm all about... I'm a more complete player than that"), he's not playing in it because of injury reasons (and let's face it -- his performance has been down lately due to his hurt leg).

I respect his decision, but now I'm not sure if I will watch ALL of the All-Star Competition... last year I watched it all because I was so excited for the dunking competition... now... not so much this year, but I might tune in while I channel-surf from other networks.