The NBA D-League's Slam Dunk Contest, for the second year in a row, was better than the NBA's version at least in my opinion... again.

Next year, the Saturday night's dunk contest should include the D-League dunk contest winner, the amateur dunk-off winner (or whatever they branded it as) and then an NBA representative (fan voting probably would be best).

Anyway, I've included video of all three dunk contests after the break, but wanted to know what you think.

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After an absolutely dominating performance today in the D-League All-Star Game, I think Brian Butch might be able to pull even more lucrative commercials than Pep's Pizza.

Butch, who didn't exactly have a good first half (don't ask why they decided to play halves when the D-League always plays quarters), absolutely exploded in the second half.  And by exploded, I mean he quit bringing the ball up the court, quit bricking shots and displayed the inside-outside game that I assumed Rob Kurz would put on display.  He finished with one of the best games of his D-League career with 18 points (7-of-12 from the field) and 13 boards, eight of which were on the offensive end in 21 minutes off the bench.  This is actually a bit better than his season averages of 16.1 points and 8.8 boards, which are a lot more solid than I assumed.

Anyway, I didn't plan on an all-star game MVP post, but I had a question to ask.  Did Butch get anything from Dar Tucker for being dunked over Friday night?  It was amazing, but had he not earned the MVP today, that'd be kind of not cool to be remembered for.  I remember fellow D-Leaguer/big tall white guy Paul Davis apparently got a decent sum of money for being dunked on by Dwyane Wade in this commercial.  Kind of similar, no?

Here's the full box score

Last night's D-League Dream Factory Friday Night had a few problems (no audio on the league provided stream, no video on the audio stream when the Shooting Star contest came and thus no idea what was going on in the shooting star's contest since it was never explained and no audio was available, etc.), but it also produced this dunk, so I'm torn like Natalie Imbruglia on my thoughts about last night.

Still, I'm pretty optimistic about this afternoon's (2pm CT) D-League All-Star Game.  I'd be much more optimistic if I had NBA TV, but I'm holding out hope that someone will drop me an illegal stream or the D-League will realize that it'd make sense that since everyone of their games are available live online that the D-League all-star game should also be available online.  Either way, I'll preview the game for you all, and if I'm able to watch, will also live blog in the comments because to be honest, my Saturday afternoons don't have much else to occupy themselves with.  I don't have NBA TV either, but maybe I'll go to a bar and make them put it on.  If I do, my blogging may be limited but it'll sure be enthusiastic.  Or as enthusiastic as I get, anyway, which is others probably would describe as "less sarcastic than usual."  This plan also involves me being awake by 2 pm. - Jon L

This game is actually worth watching because it actually matters to these players - they're trying to impress the people in the crowd (not necessarily the fans, but the GM's and decision-makers) by playing solid defense and team basketball as well as showing they can easily mesh with new teammates, just like they'd have to do as an NBA call-up.

Oh, but before making the jump to read my preview, check out Mike Gansey's predictions here.  He went 2-for-3 last night, predicting Dar Tucker's victory and randomly choosing Pat "Christmas" Carroll to win the Shooting Stars contest.

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As I've been hyping, I'm guessing at least three of those dunks (Dar Tucker, Alonzo Gee and Tony Danridge, I'm looking at you) will be better than those of tonight's NBA slam dunk contest.

I really don't have anything else to add, other than that was a terrible attempt from Trey Gilder to dunk over two people.  I guess maybe the D-League should rethink putting people in the dunk contest the day of the contest, judging by his effort in these highlights.

There it is - 6-foot-4 Dar Tucker dunking over 6-foot-11 Brian Butch.

It's amazing, actually, and courtesy of Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm AND AOL Fanhouse AND ProBasketballTalk.  He's also the founder of this here site, and I'm probably even missing thing else.

A recap of the rest of Dream Factory Friday, via the D-League PR staff, can be found after the jump.  I particularly like that they decided to say the inauguaral Shooting Stars contest set a record for time.  I was always under the understanding that if it's a first time for something, that automatically "sets a record," but didn't think it was something to lead a press release off with. 

That'd be like me telling you I held a contest tonight for trying to find out why the D-League doesn't provide links for the audio version of their biggest event of the year, then set a record by not finding out.

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Last year, the D-League Dunk Contest was arguably better than the NBA's version.  If you don't believe me, check this FIRST-ROUND dunk out from James White:

Well, it's back again, starting NOW! and being streamed live here.

If you want, I'll try to liveblog here as well.

Mike Gansey's picks can be seen here.

After the jump, I'll present you video of mine and Jon's favorites for the dunk and 3-point contest!

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Basically, if Blake Ahearn doesn't win the 3-point shooting contest, I'll put my money on Rob Kurz. 

Mostly due to his highlights being set to this music:

Well, since the D-League still hasn't named it's dunk contestants (even though Bill Walker said no over a week ago), I'll start this series of posts off with a little love for my 3-point contest favorite, Mr. Blake Ahearn (he's basically Pistol Pete).

Not only is he an accomplished actor:

He's also an accomplished dunker:

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