Summary of "Stephen A's Take: Despite his legendary NBA contributions, Lebron James ruined the Slam Dunk Contest"
Introduction
In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the recent NBA All-Star Weekend, critically analyzing the events and highlighting significant issues plaguing the festivities. Co-host Max Kellerman joins Smith to discuss the implications of player participation and the evolving dynamics of All-Star events, particularly focusing on the Slam Dunk Contest and LeBron James' impact on it.
NBA All-Star Weekend Highlights
The episode begins with Smith praising Steph Curry's performance during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Curry earned the second All-Star Game MVP with 12 points, leading Team Shaq’s OG to a 4,125 victory over Charles Barkley's Global Stars in the inaugural round-robin tournament. Smith acknowledges the mixed reviews of the new format, noting that while some players appreciated the increased competitiveness, the overall reception remained divided.
Notable Quote:
"Steph Curry captured the second All Star Game MVP... In the first to 40 finale... led to a more competitive product, but it was met with mixed reviews overall." – Stephen A. Smith [01:02]
Criticism of the New All-Star Game Format
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Draymond Green’s outspoken criticism of the new All-Star Game format. Green expressed his dissatisfaction by rating the format a "zero" during TNT's broadcast, questioning the inclusion of rookie All-Stars and lamenting that it detracts from the essence of basketball.
Notable Quote:
"Draymond Green... gave it, quote, a zero. He questioned the addition of the rising stars... quote sucks. End quote End quote. It ain't basketball. End quote" – Stephen A. Smith [01:55]
Smith concurs with Green, emphasizing that the purpose of All-Star Weekend is to celebrate basketball rather than dilute it with auxiliary events that don't align with the sport's core values.
Player Commitment and the Rise of Rookie All-Stars
Smith and Kellerman discuss the declining effort of NBA stars during All-Star Weekend, attributing the addition of rookie All-Stars to the need for maintaining competitive intensity. They argue that veteran players' lackluster participation has necessitated the introduction of rookies to ensure the games remain engaging for fans.
Notable Quote:
"They have flat out sucked. You haven't given a damn... coupled that with the load management issues..." – Stephen A. Smith [03:24]
Kellerman adds that players' reluctance to commit fully has driven the league to implement changes aimed at revitalizing the event's appeal.
LeBron James' Influence on the Slam Dunk Contest
A central theme of the episode is Smith's critique of LeBron James' role in diminishing the Slam Dunk Contest's prestige. Smith argues that LeBron's absence and lack of participation have "ruined" the contest, drawing a stark contrast between his legendary status and his disengagement from this fan-favorite event.
Notable Quote:
"LeBron James single-handedly ruined this competition. Ruined it, ladies and gentlemen." – Stephen A. Smith [13:08]
Kellerman challenges this viewpoint, questioning whether it is fair to place the blame solely on James and highlighting other factors contributing to the contest's decline.
The Rise of Mac McClung and the Current State of the Dunk Contest
Smith highlights Mac McClung's remarkable achievement of winning the Slam Dunk Contest three consecutive times, despite his limited NBA experience. He uses McClung's success to underscore the depth of talent outside the NBA and to criticize the league's current approach to the contest.
Notable Quote:
"Mac McClung has three slam dunk championships... he's actually played in his NBA career... five NBA games... three slam dunk titles." – Stephen A. Smith [12:10]
Kellerman responds by acknowledging McClung's talents but maintains that the contest still lacks the flair and excitement of past legends like Vince Carter and Michael Jordan.
Proposals for Revamping the Slam Dunk Contest
Addressing the contest's shortcomings, Smith proposes a nationwide search for top dunkers, sponsored by All-Star players. He suggests substantial monetary prizes to incentivize participation and elevate the competition's standard.
Notable Quote:
"I would personally attach my name to a nationwide contest... first prize, a million dollars. Second prize, half a million dollars. Third prize, $100,000." – Stephen A. Smith [16:14]
Kellerman supports the idea, emphasizing the potential for such initiatives to attract genuine talent and restore the contest's luster.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Smith reiterating his discontent with the current direction of NBA All-Star Weekend, particularly the Slam Dunk Contest. He underscores the importance of player commitment and the need for the league to innovate to maintain the event's relevance and excitement. Smith's passionate critique serves as a call to action for both players and organizers to honor the traditions of basketball while embracing necessary changes.
Final Notable Quote:
"NBA All Star Weekend was in danger to being canceled. I'm not guessing. I'm telling you what I know." – Stephen A. Smith [06:53]
Takeaway
Stephen A. Smith offers a fervent examination of the NBA All-Star Weekend, highlighting significant issues like player disengagement and the diminishing appeal of iconic events such as the Slam Dunk Contest. Through his candid discussions with Max Kellerman, Smith advocates for substantial reforms to revitalize the festivities and preserve the integrity of basketball's most celebrated week.