Strong lineup for NBA Dunk Contest could signal sagging event's revival

The NBA Dunk Contest has waned in popularity since its golden era in the late 1980s, when Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins were putting on iconic aerial displays. But if it were ever going to make a comeback, this could be the year.

The signature event of All-Star Weekend -- let's be honest: the game itself is a snoozefest -- got a much-needed infusion of star power this year. Among the contenders are: the defending champion, who won it as a rookie; the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year; a former No. 1 overall draft choice; an additional top-10 draft pick from each of the past two years; and, oh yeah, the guy who did this in a game and pretty much rendered the Dunk Contest a moot point.

Check out the dunk-porn video above to see the contestants in action, and learn more about them in this handy slideshow: