The 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, held during the All-Star Weekend in Oakland, stands as a defining moment in basketball history, largely due to the breathtaking performance by Vince Carter. Initially hesitant to participate, Carter was persuaded by his trainer, Keith Jones, to join the contest despite an exhausting schedule. The event, once losing its luster, was considered a highlight of the weekend, bringing attention back to the NBA's beloved dunk contest. Carter delivered a show-stopping dunk, earning a perfect score of 50, although it was Steve Francis who ultimately took home the trophy with a score of 49.
The anticipation surrounding the dunk contest was palpable. Although the event had been struggling to attract top-tier players, it remained a fan favorite. The NBA had even contemplated suspending the contest due to waning interest. However, Carter's participation breathed new life into the competition. His performance was so awe-inspiring that slow-motion replays were necessary to fully appreciate the magnitude of his dunk.
Vince Carter's journey to the contest was fraught with challenges. His schedule during the All-Star Weekend was packed, leaving him exhausted by Saturday night. Despite his initial reluctance, Carter's decision to participate paid off spectacularly. His dunk, executed with precision and flair, left audiences and judges alike in shock.
"I don't think I was conscious of actually what I said at the time. I just remember being in shock. I just remember yelling a lot, a sort of a combination of yell and laugh. My laugh tends to carry." – Vince Carter
Carter's performance didn't just impress the judges; it captivated everyone present. The dunk itself was a masterpiece, a feat of athleticism that needed slow motion to be fully appreciated. He executed it flawlessly despite landing on his middle finger, which had stitches from an earlier injury.
"When you've got reporters falling over themselves, which in some cases we were, you know you've upped the ante for the event." – Mike Wise
The contest's atmosphere was electric. Cheryl Miller recounted sitting courtside with Shaquille O'Neal and Kevin Garnett, capturing the moment with their camcorders.
"I just remember sitting courtside there with Shaq, KG. Everybody had their camcorders out ready just to take in everything." – Cheryl Miller
The competition faced skepticism due to the absence of renowned "skywalkers" like Dr. J and Michael Jordan. Yet, Carter's participation marked a turning point.
"The greatest skywalkers weren't even competing. It had gone from Dr. J to Michael to Spud Webb to Dee Brown's flying dunk, and at this point it was just played out. It's done." – Mike Wise
Carter's dunk became an iconic moment, inspiring awe and admiration from fellow players and fans alike.
"It's something you dream about when you're a little kid, but then to see someone actually do it was amazing." – Jason Kidd
Carter himself reflected on his mindset before executing the famed dunk.
"I wanted there to be a delayed reaction, basically. I remember for me I felt like I was up there for, like, two minutes holding on." – Vince Carter
Despite initial doubts about reviving interest in the contest, Carter's performance silenced critics and solidified his place in NBA lore.
"Never practiced it. Never tried it in my life. Once it went through it was like, 'Thank you, God.'" – Vince Carter
Leave a Reply