Players react on Twitter to the Slam Dunk Contest
Headlined by three All-Star selections and a handful of players with phenomenal dunking abilities, Saturday night's Slam Dunk Contest had the potential to be the best in years.
But it's now Sunday, and not a single person seems able to speak positively about what went down in New Orleans.
The new format took away from the individuality of the competition that we've come to love, made it impossible for the crowd to get hyped up, and was so disorganized that most people didn't seem to realize when the whole thing was over.
Not even Nick Cannon's emcee skills could save the night.
Naturally, fans have taken it upon themselves to vent their frustration via social media. But it's not just fans who are upset. Past and present NBA players have also taken to Twitter to share their thoughts on the contest's new format, and the reaction is overwhelmingly negative.
Tracy McGrady, who participated in the Slam Dunk Contest in 2000, tweeted this gem to remind us how awesome the event was 14 years ago.
— Tracy McGrady (@Real_T_Mac) February 16, 2014
Jason Richardson, who owned the competition between 2002 and 2004, had no idea what the hell was going on.
This year dunk contest format might is probably worst than the wheel back in 2002 lol
— Jason Richardson (@jrich23) February 16, 2014
So confused on the rules lol
— Jason Richardson (@jrich23) February 16, 2014
Roy Hibbert was reminded of the second installment in "The Hunger Games" trilogy.
The end of this year's dunk contest was like the end of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire". Ur like huh.. Is that it? Shouldn't there be more
— Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) February 16, 2014
Ben Hansbrough, who played on the Indiana Pacers last season and is currently plying his trade in Spain, wants to see the Slam Dunk Contest return to the days of Michael Jordan.
Dunk contest needs to go back to the way it used to be back in The MJ days! All these new rules and challenges are killing the dunk contest!
— Ben Hansbrough (@bhans23) February 16, 2014
Al-Farouq Aminu was given reason to believe he'll be at All-Star Weekend next year.
My uncle said I am looking forward to next year lay up competition. I second that motion.
— Al-Farouq Aminu (@farouq1) February 16, 2014
Chuck Hayes and Isaiah Thomas weren't "feeling" the new format.
I don't know if I'm feeling that open/freestyle round in the dunk contest
— chuck hayes (@c_hayes44) February 16, 2014
I hope the league goes back to the traditional slam dunk contest format
— chuck hayes (@c_hayes44) February 16, 2014
Me too fam RT @c_hayes44: I hope the league goes back to the traditional slam dunk contest format
— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas2) February 16, 2014
Tony Wroten was unhappy that Terrence Ross couldn't really defend his title.
They didn't even let T Ross defend his title really. That new format Wack
— Tony Wroten (@TWroten_LOE) February 16, 2014
And DeJuan Blair was in denial upon finding out that the Slam Dunk Contest was over.
I kno it ain't over mane
— DeJuan Blair (@DeJuan45) February 16, 2014