Should LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have to enter Slam Dunk Contest?
At this weekend’s All-Star game, they`ll discuss a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The old one is set to expire in July of 2011, as Stern and the owners won’t exercise an option to extend. So, while the All-Star party is playing out in billion dollar Cowboy Stadium, Stern and Hunter will hold their own private party, compromised of Max’ contracts, hard caps, and salary rollbacks. Stern should seize the moment and try for a small but valuable concession from Hunter: if requested by league head office, a player must participate in All-Star Saturday twice during their career. That’s right. Suiting up for the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Shootout, Horse Shootout, or whatever gimmick of the day Stern and the owners are selling would be mandatory. The opt-outs would stop. No more of LeBron James waffling. No more of Dwyane Wade saying thanks but no thanks. If asked, James and Wade participate. And if asked again, James and Wade participate again. Elite players have always shown
