NBA Post: These Guys Should be in the 2010 Dunk Contest

The NBA slam dunk competition has been better the last two or three years thanks to stars like Dwight Howard and Nate Robinson. The creative energy that had been lacking for the greater part of the decade has returned and it couldn't have happened soon enough for fans of NBA all-star weekend.

We are all waiting for LeBron James to make a decision about whether or not he will participate in this years contest. As you may remember, James said he would be throwing his name into this years dunk contest hat last year, but has since backed down from his statements.

The dunk contest should feature the most athletic stars in the NBA every year. There are so many high flyers in the league that they should want to showcase that raw ability for all to see. It's the biggest stage any dunker could ever be on. As far as I'm concerned it's their duty to the fans who pay their hard earned money on tickets, food, and beer.

For the 2010 all-star game I want to see some of the top guys perform on center stage. In years past we have been subjected to contests with limited dunkers and garbage gimmicks, but I want to see a traditional competition with at least eight dunkers this year. The last time the contest featured eight dunkers was in 1991.

Here are the guys that NEED to participate in the upcoming NBA dunk contest:

Dwight Howard- Superman has brought excitement back to the slam dunk contest with his creative flare and superior hops. His desire to push the envelope keeps fans intrigued.

Nate Robinson- Little Nate Robinson has captured two dunk contest titles over the last three years, displaying tremendous heart and enthusiasm while doing so. Robinson is arguably the best little man dunker of all time and a crowd favorite.

Josh Smith- There may not be a more athletic player in the league than Josh Smith. He can jump out of the gym at a moments notice, and do so with relative ease. Smith won the slam dunk back in 2005.

Gerald Wallace- One of the most underrated players in the NBA, Gerald Wallace has the ability to soar with all the high flyers.

Rudy Gay- Young, talented, and vertically gifted are all adjectives to describe Rudy Gay. The Memphis Grizzlies star is coming into his own this season and would be a wonderful addition to the dunk contest.

Amare Stoudamire- STAT is one of the most ferocious dunkers in the NBA. Whenever he dunks the ball you have to be worried about the basket being torn down from the sheer force alone. Stoudamire I believe is more than just a power dunker, and he would fit right in with all the other superior athletes on this list.

DeMar Derozan- The Toronto Raptors rookie isn't a stranger to dunk competitions. He won the McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Contest in 2008 and has already put a few veteran NBA players on posters this season.

LeBron James- The ratings will go through the roof is King James takes part in the dunk competition this season. LeBron is clearly one of the most explosive talents to ever pick up a basketball, but does he have the balls to compete in the slam dunk? I for one hope that he will enter for the greater good.

Well, this is my fantasy dunk competition list for 2010. I certainly won't be betting that all these guys will be involved, but it made me feel better to at least put my thoughts out there. No matter what happens or who's involved, I will be watching in February