:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5396925/20121126_kkt_ax3_146.0.jpg)
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook would like to compete in the NBA slam dunk contest at some point during his career, according to beat writer Darnell Mayberry. Mayberry reported that Westbrook told him of his interest, but is not sure if he will compete this year.
The NBA would likely encourage Westbrook to participate in the Slam Dunk contest if he wants to, since the contest has come under heavy criticism the last couple of seasons. Last season's dunk contest was particularly disastrous, as it lacked star power, originality and entertaining dunks.
The NBA has changed the format of the All-Star Saturday competition in an attempt to drum up interest in the event. In the past, the Shooting Stars, Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest were all independent events. This year, the events will pit the Eastern Conference against the Western Conference. The conferences will receive points based on the winner's of the event, with the proceeds going to charity.