Michael Jordan's legend is probably safe even if his Slam Dunk Contest victory in '88 was rigged. He won six NBA Titles in eight years with the Chicago Bulls and so many individual accolades and awards it's almost comical. One of the pillars of his legend, though, was his back-to-back Slam Dunk victories against Dominique Wilkins. But ESPN analyst Bill Simmons claims that the outcome was fixed. The time-honored contest is usually the most interesting part of the All-Star Game festivities, but does the possibility that Michael Jordan's win in '88 was tainted diminish his role in NBA history, or make the contest any less entertaining?
When asked who would win between Wilkins and Jordan in a dunk contest today, Simmons dropped a double whammy on Jordan lovers, as well as denouncing the current politics of dunk contest as being just as corrupt (via TMZ):
"Bill's response is near blasphemy to anyone from Chicago (as our camera guy is) 'cause not only does he pick the Human Highlight Reel ... he also claims the original battle was a total sham.
"There's more ... Simmons also explains why LeBron and Blake Griffin will NEVER go head-to-head in a dunk contest ... no matter how much money people try to throw at them."
If the whole thing was pre-destined, what ramifications would that have for the participants? The outcome didn't have any bearing on the regular or post-season standings, but does that mean that the subjective judging of these events isn't important? (via Give Me Sport):
"Now the award in question wasn't anything vitally important for the NBA, but it still tarnishes the reputation of a competition that basketball fans hold dear."
Simmons offered no proof of his theories, but then again, isn't the whole point of the Slam Dunk Contests just for entertainment's sake?
Watch the video below and decide for yourself who won:
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