Nate Robinson back to defend Slam Dunk crown

Feb 5, 2007 - 11:29 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) - One of the smallest players in the league last season turned out to be one of the most prolific dunkers.

New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson, who jumped over 5-7 Spud Webb in last year's Slam Dunk Contest, is back to defend his title at All-Star Weekend against three first-time entrants.

Robinson, a 5-9 second-year player, and Webb, who won this contest in 1986, are the only players under six feet to win the title.

Robinson will be joined by Orlando center Dwight Howard, Chicago forward Tyrus Thomas and Boston swingman Gerald Green.

The competition will be held as part of All-Star Saturday Night on February 17 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Since the inception of the Slam Dunk Contest in 1984, the only players to win in consecutive years were Michael Jordan (1987-88) and Jason Richardson (2002-03). Last year, Robinson beat 2005 champion Andre Iguodala of Philadelphia.

Rule changes for this year's contest require dunks to be completed within two minutes and television replay will be allowed for consultation at the discretion of the officials.

The judges are Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter.