2008, February 16: ESPN.com Daily Dime - Slam-Dunk Contest: Moon Walking

February 16, 2008 -- I appreciate the dunk contest at the All-Star Game from the perspective of a longtime fan, from back when many of the game's top players participated. The drama of MJ vs. Dominique. JR Rider's great jams. Vince Carter. Now, the contest is often just the top dunkers, and this year brings one of the most interesting crops I can remember. Also, one of the great new features in this year's contest is fan voting in the final round. Normally, the winner is determined just based on the judges' votes, but ultimately the fans should have a say. Now they will. Here's the complete rules. Here's how I rank the dunkers: 1. Jamario Moon, Raptors forward -- The 27-year-old rookie has played everywhere, including a stint with the Harlem Globetrotters. Having experience with traveling showmen like the Globetrotters makes him my pick to win. I would assume he knows some tricks we may not have seen (beside the confetti bucket). 2. Gerald Green, Timberwolves guard -- I expect the defending champ to have something up his sleeve. 3. Rudy Gay, Grizzlies forward -- Silky smooth and having a tremendous year. He's a dunker who has style and skill. He should also have plenty of options because he asked for dunks on YouTube. 4. Dwight Howard, Magic center -- The superstar of the bunch. At 6-11, he's going to show power and agility. I think it's harder for the tallest guy to win, and it's harder to get fans excited and appreciating what he does, like last year when touched the top of the backboard with the sticker. As a big man, he needs an advantage, which explains his request for the 12-foot hoop. Request denied. Seems like everybody should have the same playing field. By Jalen Rose | ESPN.com