Dunking is hep. Dunking excites the spectators. But how is it for the players? Marcus Thompson II writes in Contra Costa Times:

“As a lot of times, you go up to dunk and you feel like you want to break that backboard, break that rim,” said Warriors guard Jason Richardson, who with Michael Jordan is the only player to win consecutive slam dunk titles during NBA All-Star weekend. “But 10 times out of 10 you’re not. What you’re really breaking is yourself. … When you dunk it hard and come down screaming ‘Ahhhhh,’ everybody gets into it. But you’re really screaming, “Ahhhhh, my arm!’” … Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said he used to bust up his fingers until they bled. New Jersey Nets guard Vince Carter showed off the marks on his right forearm, which he stuck inside the basket during his famous jam from the 2000 dunk contest. “I dunk so hard sometimes,” Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett said, “I can’t feel my hand for a couple plays.” “One time,” Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade said, “it hurt so bad I couldn’t pick up a ball. You can mess yourself up dunking so hard.”

[Hat tip: Bessie Smith from NBA LJ]

The whole piece is a must read. Jordan was known for his dunking skills early in his career but I hardly saw him dunk when I watched him from the mid-90s. Vince Carter had promised not to dunk (as also revealed by the piece) but still does so on ocassions.

Dunking is the eye catcher in a basketball game. This means that young players who want get noticed, play for bigger teams have to either by a superstar or should know how to dunk in style. Would Varter really have drawn as much attention had he not dunked as much early on? Would he have got the sponsorship deals? Not really.

The earlier NBA gays saw glass shattered when players dunked. Thank fully this occurence is a thing of the past in the NBA and international games courtesy better equipment. However, the lower levels every where, not just in the US, hardly have as good equipment. I remember a news of some one dying trying to dunk a few years earlier. A quick google search gives me this occurence which happened about 1 and half years ago. I am sure there have been more immediate and long term injuries because of people going the dunking route.

In a game, I support dunking only when some one cannot score points via jump shots or lay ups. What is the point of dunking when there is open space and you are sure to get the two points any way? If it is too close and you feel safe regarding the two points by dunking, go for it. Else not.

The next time you see a basketball player dunk, remember the pain he goes through!