NBA denies Howard's request to raise rim to 12 feet during dunk contest

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

Updated: February 12, 2008, 8:06 PM ET

For the second succesive year, Dwight Howard (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3818)'s proposal to have the rim raised to 12 feet during the annual dunk contest at All-Star Weekend in New Orleans has been rejected by the NBA.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3818.jpg Howard

The league office confirmed to ESPN.com on Tuesday that the Orlando Magic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=orl)'s All-Star center has again formally requested to have the rim hiked from the regulation 10 feet to 12 feet for at least one of his dunks, as Howard continues to seek ways to prove that his leaping ability is no less impressive that the hops possessed by shorter rivals.



ESPN - NBA denies Howard's request to raise rim to 12 feet during dunk contest - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/allstar2008/news/story?id=3243169)

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David Stern = http://a695.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/102/m_a3630c5f52e6cfa9971a9039f4ecc0b6.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewAlbums&friendID=36085309)!!!!!!!

David Stern = http://a695.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/102/m_a3630c5f52e6cfa9971a9039f4ecc0b6.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewAlbums&friendID=36085309)!!!!!!!

Looks more like Howard to me

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/IMAGES/adc/12157327A.jpg
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One of those other guys should formally request that it be raised to 13 feet, just so they look like more of a bad A55. They'd be in trouble if the league accepted their proposal though.

One of those other guys should formally request that it be raised to 13 feet, just so they look like more of a bad A55. They'd be in trouble if the league accepted their proposal though.
Oh, come one. All they'd have to do is put on a 23 jersey (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Zda1oA45Jss).

The whole dunk competition is so passe. We watch, hoping to see that one amazing dunk, but in reality, the majority of the dunks are boring, and tired.

Now we're in the era of gimmick dunks. High rims, stickers on the backboard, dunking over someone wearing a HOFer's jersey.

My favorite dunk of all time, was the one where Vince Carter stuck his arm down the rim. Everything else sucks in comparison.

The whole dunk competition is so passe. We watch, hoping to see that one amazing dunk, but in reality, the majority of the dunks are boring, and tired.

Now we're in the era of gimmick dunks. High rims, stickers on the backboard, dunking over someone wearing a HOFer's jersey.

My favorite dunk of all time, was the one where Vince Carter stuck his arm down the rim. Everything else sucks in comparison.

It seems to me that watching your valentine dunk whatever is the most fun and possibly exciting dunk to watch.

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that VC dunk was pretty sick roscoe - the crowd seemed to go silent, moreso gasping in disbelief than because they didn't appreciate it.

i think some of the dunks have been spectacular even in recent years, like Iguodala's behind the backboard dunk. they really need to change the rule about being able to keep trying until you make the dunk though.

I actually think the raising of the basket is a pretty interesting idea. They should let him do it. It was add a little intrigue to the contest this year.

I actually think the raising of the basket is a pretty interesting idea. They should let him do it. It was add a little intrigue to the contest this year.


how about making it lower so all us 5' 7'' wimps can have a shot at it too then? :nerd2:

I actually think the raising of the basket is a pretty interesting idea. They should let him do it. It was add a little intrigue to the contest this year.

I'm sure, Howard has earned enough $$$ to hire private basket-risers. What's the problem, then?

how about making it lower so all us 5' 7'' wimps can have a shot at it too then? :nerd2:

Yeah, think what Howard could do on an 8' rim! The septuple pump windmill triple lindy with a sticker on the shot clock.

I think Rip should ask for a rim with a 2 inch smaller diameter for the 3-point shootout.

I think Rip should ask for a rim with a 2 inch smaller diameter for the 3-point shootout.

http://www.jumpusa.com/schutt2.jpg

That would be tough.

I actually think the raising of the basket is a pretty interesting idea. They should let him do it. It was add a little intrigue to the contest this year.

Somebody could get very seriously hurt trying to dunk in a basket with a greater height than what they are used to, especially if they are trying to do a spectacular dunk.

I think for that reason among others raising the basket for the dunk contest would not be a good idea.

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Howard is not going to hurt himself. If anything, it is more dangerous as it is because he might knock his teeth out on the rim at 10'.

Howard is not going to hurt himself. If anything, it is more dangerous as it is because he might knock his teeth out on the rim at 10'.

I believe that all NBA players are required to wear a mouth piece when playing that protects their teeth

If not, those that don't deserve to have their teeth knocked out wherever and whenever.

I wasn't talking about teeth.

I was talking about injuries that are very serious and can result from falling awkward in attempting to make a move on a higher rim; something as serious as a broken back.

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I think Howard would prepare himself beforehand though. I don't think he is just going to do a freestyle dunk on a 12 foot rim.

I believe that all NBA players are required to wear a mouth piece when playing that protects their teeth

If not, those that don't deserve to have their teeth knocked out wherever and whenever.

I wasn't talking about teeth.

I was talking about injuries that are very serious and can result from falling awkward in attempting to make a move on a higher rim; something as serious as a broken back.



I totally agree. Injuries should be avoided. That is why Stern banned the jet propulsion packs back in '99.

http://images.google.com/url?q=http://mp.blogs.com/mp/images/wileecoyote.jpg&usg=AFQjCNHwptFqJ_bRxcfLWJ01KfGUQ6HLeQ

They could always raise 1 of the rims for Howard, and anyone else that chooses to use the higher basket, and keep the other one at the standard height. That way, everyone is happy.

Why can't he just do his dunking from his knees? Seems like about the same height difference.

They could always raise 1 of the rims for Howard, and anyone else that chooses to use the higher basket, and keep the other one at the standard height. That way, everyone is happy.

Nope to be totally fair they need to have a jump in sorta like wrestlers have weigh ins.... before the comp each player must do a vertical test to see what there jump is.... (and judges to make sure they don't cheat during the testing to get an easier basket height)

Then during the dunk contest the rim will be set at say 6 inches below there vertical level... so everybody would be judged totally on flare and not that they can jump out of the gym for person A and barely able to get it thru the basket for person B.


ok total sarcasm over but can't believe some PC type hasn't put this idea forward.

I totally agree. Injuries should be avoided. That is why Stern banned the jet propulsion packs back in '99.

http://images.google.com/url?q=http://mp.blogs.com/mp/images/wileecoyote.jpg&usg=AFQjCNHwptFqJ_bRxcfLWJ01KfGUQ6HLeQ

I believe that he banned them when Michael decided to retire and everyone else was put on a relatively equal footing because they no longer needed them to compete with Michael.

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I believe that he banned them when Michael decided to retire and everyone else was put on a relatively equal footing because they no longer needed them to compete with Michael.

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Michael "Mikey" Moore retired?

Michael "Mikey" Moore retired?

Do you mean this Mickey? Notice how he is being held down by strings. Each of these strings being held by a fellow NBA dunk contest competitor.

http://www.sitevip.net/mickey_mouse/images/gallery/big1.jpg

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