And who better to do that than Blake Griffin, the Los Angeles Clippers' quasi-rookie and the indisputable focus of this year's slam-dunk competition?

When no Knicks made the East team in 1998, Charlie Ward was in the 3-point competition; in 1987, Gerald Wilkins was in the slam-dunk competition.

He was a clear crowd favorite when he won the N.B.A.'s slam-dunk competition in February.

Rookie Steals Slam-Dunk Show Josh Smith brought a little old school to the slam-dunk competition on a night that Steve Nash nearly stole.

The program also included a slam-dunk competition, a free-throw shooting contest and a 3-point shooting contest.

Last year, Toronto's Vince Carter electrified the slam-dunk competition.

The remaining 37 minutes turned into an extended slam-dunk competition.

In February, Robinson won the slam-dunk competition during All-Star weekend - but only after stubbornly taking 14 attempts to complete his final dunk.

The longer, stronger, more athletic Blazers had a virtual slam-dunk competition at the Knicks' expense.

Much ado was made over the abolition of the slam-dunk competition during All-Star weekend, but the fashion show that will take place may actually be more provocative than the game.