After two weeks of Super Bowl anticipation, what is left to say about Sunday’s big game that hasn’t already been said? Not much, which is why RedEye has started looking ahead to the NBA’s All-Star festivities next weekend — specifically the slam dunk contest. But before we watch two-time winner Nate Robinson square off against Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace, we’re taking a look back at three of the best dunks of the past decade.
Best Use of the Basket
Vince Carter, 2000
Remember the “flexed-arm hang” in kids’ fitness tests that meant gripping a pull-up bar without touching the floor? That’s sort of like Vinsanity’s dunk in 2000, except that Carter started his move by wickedly slamming a ball and his entire forearm into a basket and dangling from the rim. Now that’s hang time! allsport file
Best H.O.R.S.E. Shot
Jason Richardson, 2004
Imagine describing this shot to your opponent in a friendly game of H.O.R.S.E. “Toss the ball at the backboard from the 3-point line, catch it in the air, thread it between your legs and dunk.” It sounds ridiculously impossible, but that’s exactly what J-Rich pulled off in 2004 to repeat as Slam Dunk champ. getty images file
Best Costume
Dwight Howard, 2008
Howard finally took his “Superman” nickname literally in the 2008 dunk contest by stripping off his Magic jersey to reveal the Man of Steel’s shirt and a red cape. For his accompanying dunk, Howard glided to the hoop much like his namesake would if he were an NBA star. AP file photo
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WATCH DOG
By Whizzer
Here’s what I’m watching this weekend:
NHL
Blackhawks at St. Louis
7 p.m. Saturday, CSN
NBA
Bulls vs. Miami
7 p.m. Saturday, WGN
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Northwestern vs. Indiana
1:30 p.m. Sunday, Big Ten Network
SUPER BOWL XLIV
New Orleans vs. Indianapolis
5 p.m. Sunday, CBS
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FIVE ON ONE
It’s Super Bowl weekend! Our panel will be sweating guacamole till Tuesday. Sign up for weekday Five on Five at redeyechicago.com/facebookfives.
The topic: What can the Blackhawks learn by watching the Super Bowl?
Leo Ebersole: If they watch The Who, they’ll learn there’s a time to walk away from the game and never look back.
Phillip Thompson: Patrick Kane and the E-Trade baby both go shirtless.
Tracy Swartz: The correct way to show nipple.
Brian Moore: Patrick Kane might actually learn to hit on opposing team members — with his shirt on.
Scott Kleinberg: How to score a touchdown — just in case they need to know that sorta thing.
