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The Denver Nuggets haven't had many Slam Dunk Contest participants, but Denver's history with the event is essential. Pretty much the brain child of former Nuggets general manager Carl Scheer in the last season of the ABA (1975-76) and it featured the likes of David Thomson and Dr. J aka Julius Erving. The first NBA slam Dunk Contest was also in Denver in 1984 and was won by Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance.
From that point on, the Nuggets have had few participants and not much success. The closest being 1994 with Robert Pack getting runner up to Isiah Rider. Tonight, Denver's own Kenneth Faried takes center stage and the whole country gets to see what Denver already knows about the Manimal.
There's a nagging feeling, however, that the dunk contest simply ain't what it used to be. The stars, by and large, don't participate and there's a feeling that dunks just aren't that impressive anymore. Can Faried change that? Who knows. I'll be rooting for him though.
All-Star links
Kennath Faried's 40 earns him MVP honors in Rising Stars game - ESPN.com
Faried wins the Rising Stars MVP for his 40 point 10 rebound performance for team Chuck (Charles Barkley) vs. Team Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal). You can see highlights from the linked article at the top of the page.
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Denver Nuggets' Kenneth Faried awaits NBA All-Star weekend - Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
The Post's Benjamin Hochman talks about Kenneth Faried's big weekend.
Michael Jordan memories abound as the basketball legend turns 50 - Troy Renck, The Denver Post
Here is yet another article on Michael Jordan, this time from local baseball writer Troy Renck. MJ's 50th is getting more coverage than the Super Bowl it seems.
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