Dazzling dunks tall order for big men, contestants contend

0 Comments | USA TODAY, February, 2008 | by Scott Boeck

The four contestants in the slam-dunk contest at NBA's All-Star Saturday Night in New Orleans won't need a big takeoff. They all have height -- each is 6-8 or taller.

Defending champion Gerald Green of the Minnesota Timberwolves, rookie Jamario Moon of the Toronto Raptors and Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies are each 6-8. Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic is listed at 6-11.

It's one of the tallest classes in the history of the Sprite Slam Dunk contest. But some say combining height and creativity can be difficult.

Some of the most creative showmen are a few inches shorter than the 2008 class: previous winners Michael Jordan (1987-88), Jason Richardson (2002-03), Kobe Bryant (1997) and Vince Carter (2000) are 6-6; two-time winner Dominique Wilkins...