Basketball Hall of Fame forward Dominique Wilkins is one of just six players to have multiple wins in the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest.
Wilkins, a nine-time All-Star and former NBA scoring champion who was honored as one of the 75 greatest players in league history, will return to the city where he first won the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest in 1985. This time, he returns as a judge.
While star players like Wilkins rarely compete in the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest these days, the “Human Highlight Film” told For The Win that he was pleased to see a top-tier player like Jaylen Brown participate this year.
We touched on lots more during our recent conversation with Wilkins.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
What are some of your favorite All-Star Weekend memories?
Wilkins: The biggest thing for me is to be around the great players to play the game. That’s the biggest experience. I’ve been going to the All-Star Game for many, many years. It brings back so many special memories and some of the great moments in the history of the game. I played alongside Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, and Isiah Thomas. These guys were iconic. I still have those friendships to this day and it’s been one great thing after another. I particularly love the slam dunk contest and key appearances I’m doing there. It’s a pleasure for me to be a part of these different festivities. Basketball was a gift for me. It was a gift that was given to me through hard work and appreciation. We’re all very privileged to be given a chance to play this game.
Who would win between the two 1985 All-Star teams and the 2014 teams?
Wilkins: I’m going to ask you this: Is that a trick question? [Laughs] The players are super talented now. But the talent level in them days was…wow, crazy. The last time the NBA hosted the All-Star Game in Indiana, in 1985, I didn’t make it. We were winning and I was averaging 27 points per game. But I had to beat out Larry Bird, Dr. J, Bernard King, and Marques Johnson all in their primes. That was just at the small forward position. I just hadn’t finished paying my dues yet. Once I made that first one, I made nine straight.
Last time Indiana hosted All-Star Weekend, you won the dunk contest…
Wilkins: [Interrupting] I actually thought I won four contests but I got credit for two. But that’s OK! [Laughs] To go back and do the slam dunk contest as a judge in the town where I won my first one is going to be special. For me to compete against Michael Jordan and Spud Webb in those dunk contests, it didn’t matter who won or lost. The fans got their money’s worth and those guys are simply amazing.
What are some of the qualities you value the most as a dunk contest judge?
Wilkins: It’s definitely creativity. It’s showmanship. It’s power. All of those elements make for a great dunk contest. I’m looking for how you come out early in terms of your finesse. That will give you an opportunity to win.
What is the right blend of stars versus up-and-comers in the dunk contest?
Wilkins: It’s always good to have some star power in the dunk contest. I was really delighted that someone like Jaylen Brown was participating. It’s good for guys like that to represent. But then you have guys who are trying to make a name for themselves. It’s a good mixture. When you participate in the dunk contest, you have to feel really passionate about and want to do. That’s how you create a wonderful environment. It’s good to see a guy like Jaylen Brown doing this on his own.
You referred to Derrick White as the most underrated point guard in the NBA. Why?
Hawks' broadcast reaction to another D-White 3:
Bob Rathbun: "Does he ever miss?!"
Dominique Wilkins: "He is the most underrated point guard in the NBA." pic.twitter.com/d2KjCE12IZ
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) February 8, 2024
Wilkins: I’ve always loved him. He came out of that San Antonio system where he really thrived and did very well. Now, you’re seeing him these years later and what he is developing into is a great two-way player. He can defend and he can score and he does so many things well, like rebounding.
A lot of times because he isn’t a guy scoring 30, people overlook him. But in my opinion, he is the most underrated point guard in the league, no question. There are lots of great point guards so he has a lot to contend with and he doesn’t have the glitz and glamor. People want to see that and they overlook guys who are well-rounded basketball players. Look at the shots he can block as a point guard. He guards very well. He can run your team. The icing on the cake: He contributes to winning.
FTW: Who are some of the other players in the NBA who might fit in that category?
Wilkins: There are a lot of role players who are a piece to the puzzle that you’ve got to have. When you don’t have those types of guys, you struggle. Someone has to be that glue guy that makes things happen for you. Look at the Timberwolves. They’re very explosive and ranked as one of the best teams in the league. But they have great complementary players. Rudy Gobert does not score a lot of points but he is going to defend and rebound. You don’t have their record if they don’t have that guy on their team. Mike Conley is considered an aging grandfather but he gets it done every night.
There is only one Human Highlight Film. But who is the closest in the modern NBA?
Wilkins: I think it’s a mixture of guys. I don’t look at one guy and think, “That’s me.” But I think you can look at guys like Jaylen Brown and Ja Morant and how they explode to the basket. You can look at a guy who plays with us on the Hawks in Jalen Johnson. He is a flier, man. I love it because of the way he gets out on the open floor. If he gets that, forget it. You are not going to stop him. He brings back a lot of memories for me. He’s a great kid. I love this guy and the way he plays and what he does for our team.
What sort of advice would you give to other young basketball players?
Wilkins: For any young guy, don’t feel satisfied and always strive to get even better. That’s how you have that sustainability and longevity in this game. I knew I could play the game in the air but I had to learn how to play the game on the ground. I needed to get even more fundamentally sound. That’s what I tell my son who is embarking on his career. Don’t be a high-flier and dunker because that’s automatic. You can do those things. But focus on the things that you are more uncomfortable with and that will make you a better all-around player. I also motivated myself by playing against the best. You play against MJ or Magic or Larry Bird or Dr. J and you would feel motivated to play at your highest level.
