A multitude of individuals expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, including NBA commissioner Adam Silver, as evident from his facial expressions. Among those discontented with the overall weekend festivities was Stephen A. Smith, who believes that the NBA should eliminate the game altogether. Smith also placed blame on LeBron James for the degradation of the NBA Dunk Contest.
Smith voiced his current perspective on the matter during an episode of First Take on Monday morning. He advocated for the elimination of All-Star Weekend, excluding the three-point shooting contest, which he believes consistently delivers satisfactory results. However, Smith criticized the skills competition, slam dunk contest, and the All-Star Game itself.
Smith passionately expressed his disapproval, describing the events of the previous night as an absolute disgrace. With an astonishing total of nearly 400 points scored, there was a complete absence of defense and effort. Smith viewed this as a severe indictment against NBA stars who participate in All-Star Weekend, asserting that they exhibit more dedication during their summer training sessions.
Smith emphasized that he does not expect players to compete at the same intensity as they would in the playoffs or regular season games. However, he found it unacceptable that they displayed such a blatant lack of effort on the defensive end. He regarded this behavior as a travesty.
When it came to the slam dunk contest, Smith placed the blame solely on LeBron James. He pointed out that LeBron is the only superstar in the history of the game who has never participated in the contest. Smith argued that during the years from 1985 to 1997, future Hall of Famers won five out of the 13 contests. Michael Jordan competed three times, while Dominique Wilkins competed five times. Smith claimed that every high jumper and above-the-rim talent eagerly awaited the opportunity to showcase their skills in the slam dunk contest. However, this enthusiasm ceased when LeBron James declared his unwillingness to participate.
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