Dwyane Wade Explains Decline of NBA Dunk Contest

Former NBA star breaks down why the iconic event no longer feels like must-see TV

Feb. 21, 2026 at 9:31pm

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In a recent discussion on ESPN's First Take, former NBA star Dwyane Wade and commentator Stephen A. Smith offered their perspectives on the declining popularity of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Wade and Smith pointed to factors like the absence of marquee players, the evolving preferences of modern basketball fans, and the shifting focus towards 3-point shooting as contributors to the event's waning appeal.

Why it matters

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest was once a highly anticipated event that showcased the athleticism and creativity of the league's top players. However, as the game of basketball has evolved, the contest has struggled to maintain its cultural relevance, raising questions about the future of this iconic All-Star weekend tradition.

The details

According to Smith, the turning point for the Dunk Contest's decline was when LeBron James, one of the league's biggest stars, repeatedly declined to participate despite hinting at doing so. Smith argued that James' absence set the tone for other superstars to follow suit, draining the event of its star power. Kendrick Perkins, who appeared on the same panel, agreed that James' decision mattered, though he questioned whether that alone influenced the entire league's participation. Wade, on the other hand, approached the topic from a different angle. He acknowledged the current generation's efforts, but noted that modern basketball fans now respond more enthusiastically to deep 3-pointers than to high-flying dunks. Wade explained that the spotlight has shifted to the 3-point contest, where bigger names now participate, and that the evolution of the game has naturally pulled attention away from pure vertical theatrics.

  • The NBA Slam Dunk Contest was once a must-see event, particularly in the years prior to 2016.
  • In recent years, the contest has struggled to maintain its cultural relevance and appeal to fans.

The players

Dwyane Wade

A former NBA star who provided his perspective on the declining popularity of the Slam Dunk Contest.

Stephen A. Smith

A prominent sports commentator who argued that LeBron James' decision to not participate in the Dunk Contest was a turning point in the event's decline.

Kendrick Perkins

A former NBA player who appeared on the same panel as Smith and agreed that James' decision mattered, though he questioned whether it alone influenced the entire league's participation.

LeBron James

One of the NBA's biggest stars who repeatedly declined to participate in the Dunk Contest, which Smith argued was a catalyst for the event's declining popularity.

Keshad Johnson

The winner of the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

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What they’re saying

“Back in the day it was an athletic game. Fans would get excited about the dunks. Now, they get more excited about the 3-pointers.”

— Dwyane Wade, Former NBA Star

“When LeBron James dominated the league and didn't participate, it shifted how superstars viewed the contest. His absence drained the spectacle.”

— Stephen A. Smith, Sports Commentator

The takeaway

The decline of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest highlights the evolving nature of basketball and its fan preferences. While the event was once a must-see spectacle, the shifting focus towards 3-point shooting and the absence of marquee players have contributed to its waning appeal. As the game continues to evolve, the Dunk Contest may need to adapt to regain its cultural relevance and captivate modern basketball audiences.