The annual discourse around “fixing the Dunk Contest” misses that it’s never needed stars. It used to create them, and maybe in some ways it still can.

While this year's 3-Point Contest sports five All-Stars — Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard, New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland, Miami Heat shooting guard Tyler Herro, and Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham — the 2025 Dunk Contest has zero.

Since its inception in 1984, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has become one of the most electrifying and anticipated events during All-Star Weekend. The contest has showcased some of the