Wilkins talks Slam Dunk Contest, more on 'Back of the Shop'
What's wrong with the NBA Slam Dunk Contest? Two-time champion Dominique Wilkins offered his insight on that and more during an appearance on FOX Sports 1's 'Back of the Shop.' The episode premiers Tuesday, June 24 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Wilkins, the Hall of Famer, former Hawks star and FOX Sports South/SportSouth analyst, who won the Slam Dunk Contest in 1985 and 1990, says of the event "I feel that guys are afraid to lose. But for us, when we did the dunk contest, it wasn't about us. It was about the fans."
He was joined on the show by four-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion Dwight Gooden, Dodgers infielder Dee Gordon, Mets closer Jenrry Mejia and Rockets forward Chandler Parsons.
Here's an excerpt detailing the Slam Dunk Contest conversation:
GORDON: "Why is the dunk contest not as competitive anymore?"
WILKINS: "You want the politically correct answer, or you want the truth?"
GORDON: "I want the truth."
FOX Sports South/SportSouth analyst Dominique Wilkins (second from the left), discusses a number of topics during an appearance on 'Back of the Shop.'
WILKINS: "My thing, and this is just what I feel, I feel that guys are afraid to lose because they don't want to hear all summer, 'You lost to LeBron (James),' or 'You lost to KD (Kevin Durant) or Blake Griffin.' But for us, when we did the dunk contest, it wasn't about us. It was about the fans for All-Star Weekend. The dunk contest was the event for All-Star Weekend. And so even though I've won the Slam Dunk Contest four times -- only got credit for two, though -- you understand what I'm saying. It wasn't about us. Jordan and I loved competing against one another, but we wanted to give the fans something to come watch."
'Back of the Shop,' is set in the back of Jordan Sports Barbershop, near Yankee Stadium. Among the stars taking their turn in Jordan's chair on upcoming episodes are Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, former Mets star Darryl Strawberry and A's outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.