NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2000: It’s been a while since the NBA dunk contest created some much buzz around NBA fans. Dating backing to the days of Michael Jordan vs Domique Wilkins in classsic dunkoff. Unfortunantly, the best dunkers grow tired of competing in the dunk contest so they choose to channel all of their energy in the NBA All-star game.
In 2000, the competition was vastly different, with Vince Carter single handling generating high expectations. Carter coming fresh off winning NBA rookie of year in 1998-1999 had developed a reputation of being a dynamic high flyer. Hence, many of his nicknames, such as “half-man/half amazing and vincanity.
Carter representing the Toranto Rapters came into the competition as the heavy favorite. However, Carter had competition from his cousin and teammate Tracy McGrady, and Houston Rockets guard, Steve Francis who was established as 6’3 guard with hoops
McGrady and Francis got the crowded into it early with impressive dunks. McGrady doing a two-hand 360 dunk and Francis catching an hoop with a massive one-handed throwdown.Carter and his fans knew the favorite still didnt complete his first dunk
Carter took the ball at half court as he bombastically slammed the ball on the wooded floor. Carter drove to the basket,taking off from inside the paint and did a massive 360 windmill dunk as he received the loudest pop from the crowd all night. All-star players, such as Kevin Garnett, Chris Webber and hall of famers, such as Issah Thomas were at awe.
Throughout the night Carter was doing dunks that have never been done before. Among Carter’s most famous dunks, he first repeated the 360 windmill dunk underneath the basket. Secondly, caught an ally hoop through his legs with a one handed dunk. Lastly, Carter rubbed his right forearm before he dunked the ball with his forearm hanging inside the rim.
Carter finished the night with a two hand dunk, nearly from the freethrow line. Francis placed 2nd and Mcgrady placed 3rd in the final standings. Carter become the 2000 NBA dunk champion and never competed in a contest again.
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