The popularity of the NBA Slam Dunk contest has been decreasing steadily over the past several seasons. As more and more players resort to using props and outlandish schemes to win the contest, the fans are beginning to miss the golden days of the contest when players like Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan would leave the gimmicks in the locker room and simply amaze the crowd with their natural abilities.



Now, in an attempt to get the fans more excited about the upcoming 2012 dunk contest, the NBA has released a statement declaring a new format for this year’s event.

According to the Associated Press, the NBA is leaving the winner of the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest up to the fans. On Twitter. Yes, really.

The league announced Thursday that there no longer will be judges in the event, which also will be reduced to one round. Each contestant will execute three dunks. Fans will determine the champion by voting on NBA.com, Twitter or through text messaging.

If there’s anything we have learned in the past it’s that fan voting is always the best way to go. Because having Yao Ming voted to start the All-Star game after missing the entire first half of the season several years back showcased the obvious knowledge the fans have about the situation.

Regardless, this appears to be a last-ditch effort from the NBA to try and resurrect the dunk contest before scrapping the event for good. If this is really their best idea, don’t expect this contest to be around for too much longer.

Also, the league announced this season’s participants in the contest. While no Lakers will be competing, here’s the list anyways:

Iman Shumpert: New York Knicks

Paul George: Indiana Pacers

Derrick Williams: Minnesota Timberwolves

Chase Budinger: Houston Rockets