Judging by the video below, I’d say all that practice has served him well.  Unfortunately for him, the continuation rule works a little different overseas and this incredible basket was not allowed.  But that doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy it.

Hat Tip – [Ball Don't Lie]

His name is Rudy Fernandez, he plays for the Portland Trailblazers and he got screwed bad in this years NBA Slam Dunk contest.  In what was one of the worst judged contests I have ever seen, Rudy received the lowest scores for both of his dunks, when he should have been among the leaders.

I don’t know if David Stern was greasing the pockets of the judges, or they just didn’t like this guy because he is from Europe, but the fix was in.  Dwight Howard, who won the competition last year, used every gimmick imaginable to make it to the finals.  He also attempted his first dunk a handful of times before he got it, while Rudy on the other hand, needed only one attempt to complete both his dunks. Howard used a cape, another basket, a forklift and a telephone booth to complete his dunks and all Fernandez needed was a ball.

I thought the dunk contest was about Slam Dunks and not about props and jumping off other peoples backs.  Next year they should just use trampolines and let the contest be open to everyone in America.  I used to like watching it, now I would rather watch re-runs of dancing with the stars, because at least I know they won’t be using props.

David Stern, you should be ashamed of yourself for putting that garbage on T.V. and ruining the once great contest.  I think you owe an apology to Rudy Fernandez.

To Rudy, I feel really bad that you had to be embarrassed like that, maybe next year you could wear a stupid costume and use a bunch of dumb props and you might have a shot.

By the way, Nate Robinson was the winner, but who really cares.

This year was the first time that fans got to vote for the final participant in the contest.  Rudy beat out fellow rookies Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Joe Alexander (Milwaukee Bucks).  He will be joined by defending champ Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), former champ Nate Robinson (New York Knicks) and high flier Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies).

This is a historic appearance for Fernandez, as it marks the first time a European born player will be taking part in the competition.  I would not bank on him to win it because Howard always has some crazy ideas up his sleeve, like Superman from last year and my personal favorite, the Sticker dunk from 2 years ago.

The last white guy to win the event was Brent Barry (Houston Rockets) in 1996.  Barry won the contest by doing a Micheal Jordan inspired dunk by taking off from the free throw line.

Regardless of what happens in the competition, Fernandez should do better than this guy.