The 2010 NBA Slam Dunk Contest features incumbent “Krypto” Nate Robinson,   Gerald Wallace, Shannon Brown. The winner of a “dunk off” during halftime of the Rookie Challenge between Eric Gordon and DeMar DeRozan will decide the 4th participant.

Coverage begins live February 13th at 8 PM EST on TNT.

Will "Krypto" Nate be dethroned this year?

Nate Robinson will not be competing against his rival Dwight Howard this year, as Howard opted not to participate. Here is a brief synopsis, including who I think will win the “dunk off,” on what Robinson faces in this years competition.

GERALD WALLACE

Gerald Wallace makes his return to the slam dunk contest for the first time since 2002, his rookie year with Sacramento Kings.

Wallace is planning to keep it simple, and focus more on making solid dunks rather than buying into the theatrics.

He has this to say about his strategy:

“I think I’m too old for all the spectacular dunks. I’ll try to keep it simple – the most important part is making all your dunks. When I was in it my rookie season, they had the dunk wheel” directing you to do a particular kind of dunk, Wallace said. “You didn’t get to choose a dunk. You basically spun the wheel and did dunks from past slam-dunk champions.”

Wallace sneezes athleticism. Since he no longer will be dictated which style of dunk to mimick during the contest, he is allowed to explore his nasty, yet creative side.

If you watch the footage below, you will see what Wallace has to bring to competition.

So look out for the guy who Shannon Brown, a former teammate of Wallace when he was a member of the Bobcats, refers to as “The Human Helicopter.”

SHANNON BROWN

Shannon Brown is synonymous with “unbelievably athletically gifted.” At 6’3″ he has a huge wingspan, and seemingly limitless hops.

It is hard to imagine that anyone in this competition possessing a higher vertical leaping ability than Brown.

He has had some unbelievable dunks this season. Be it during a fast break,  transition after a steal, or an offensive rebound, Brown has smashed on people’s heads like it is absolutely effortless.

He consistently leaves capacity-crowded stadiums utterly silent and dumbfounded with his dunks regularly.

He literally owned Mikki Moore, smashing Moore in his 7-foot head with his butt, while ripping the rim. It makes me have trouble believing that Moore did not cry himself to sleep that night.

Here, have a look at one of the most demoralizing slam dunks I have ever watched.

Warning, if you are a fan of Mikki Moore, you should seriously consider not watching this:

Brown’s dunking is so impressive that is spawned a online movement, www.letshannondunk.com, in order to help petition a spot for him in the competition.

ERIC GORDON vs. DEMAR DEROZAN

Predicted Winner: Eric Gordan

Eric Gordon is the least talked about, with many favoring DeMar Derozan to make it into the competition. People shouldn’t sleep on Gordon simply because he doesn’t play a flashy game of basketball.

Gordon reminds me of Brandon Roy in that he is very intelligent on the floor. He knows how to avoid wasting energy, and therefore doesn’t try to rip off the rim on his dunks.

Just wait until he does.

Gordon sticks to the core fundamental basketball basics in most situations, so a dunk filled highlight reel is somewhat limited in his repertoire compared to competitor DeMar DeRozan’s.

Gordon is a fierce competitor, and I predict he will take DeRozan, and make his way into the competition.

No discredit to DeRozan, but it seems to obvious to me that this silent underdog will come out on top.

Here is a little reel of Eric Gordon, just so you can see what I am talking about:

It remains to be seen if Nate Robinson will be dethroned this year, but if he isn’t he will become the first ever 3-time winner of the NBA Dunk Contest.

For Nate, this might be the biggest and most motivational bright spot in yet another dismal year New York Knicks basketball. That is some serious motivation for ‘lil Nate.

I predict that Shannon Brown will dethrone Nate, and in doing so, will reveal dunks that are simply beautiful to watch.

I just hope Brown doesn’t injure his head on the rim or backboard.

NBA fans everywhere take note: The European basketball feel is coming soon to an arena near you! Ball movement, unselfish play, and all the things the league used to stand for are about to experience a long awaited revival.

The Marco Belinelli trade adds yet another piece to the European conglomerate that is the Toronto Raptors.

Why do European Players prefer to play in Toronto anyway?

I will see this bench only if I am injured in Toronto! (Credit:picapp.com)

Look at this international roster:

Italy: Andrea Bargnani and Marco Belinelli

Spain: Jose Calderon

Turkey: Hedo Turkoglu

England: Pops Mensah-Bonsu

Croatia: Roko Ukic

Ljubljana (Slovenia): Rasho Nestrovic

Las Vegas: Marcus Banks

This Raptors team is capable of the best ball movement and unselfish play we have seen for quite some time. The shooting ability of the Italian duo will spread the floor, allowing Chris Bosh and the super-athletic DeMar DeRozan to terrorize the paint.

Calderon has a huge shot, if he stays healthy, of leading the league in assists.

"This is how Euro style is done son" (Credit: picapp.com)

The Raptors have a huge chance of hosting a first round playoff series in the East.

Kobe could be the only one–we know Danilo Gallinari won’t be on the court– understanding the dialogue between Belinelli and Bargnani.

Maybe Kobe will ask them for recommendations for good Italian food in Toronto. Then maybe he’ll drop 81 on them.

It will be very interesting to see if Belinelli breaks out in Toronto. He has proven to be a capable offensive weapon in decent stretches of minutes, which he should see in Toronto.

"Ersan, Hedo is turkish too. Come to Toronto! (Credit:picapp.com)

Another question is whether his presence will have a positive impact on Bargnani.

Early on, all signs point toward a big ‘yes’.

Calderon, Jarrett Jack, Belinelli and Roko Ukic fill out a deep guard rotation.

Toronto is poised for a deep run into the Eastern Conference Playoffs this season.

The 2009 NBA Draft is in the books begging the question: What teams added the piece that will help them out of the lottery and into the playoffs next year? The Bulls, Heat, and Blazers—lottery teams from 2008—made the playoffs, replaced this year by Phoenix, Toronto, and Washington (who traded their pick to Minnesota). Below is Protect the Paint’s grades for what this year’s lottery teams did with their lottery pick and a prediction of their lottery-status for next season.

Blake Griffin should start immediately (Credit: ESPN)

#1     Los Angeles Clippers        Blake Griffin            Grade: A

No surprise here. Look for the Clippers to make some roster moves to insure Griffin a starting spot and get rid of some locker room headaches. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be better, but the Western Conference is stacked, so back to the lottery.

Can Thabeet develop an offensive game? (Credit: ESPN)

#2     Memphis Grizzlies        Hasheem Thabeet        Grade: B

The next Dikembe Mutombo? Thabeet should be an immediate impact player on the defensive end. Luckily for him, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo will be taking most of the shots. Lookout if he develops an offensive game. He should be in the league for his D alone for years to come. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

James Harden might be the best player of the draft class (Credit: ESPN)

#3    Oklahoma City Thunder    James Harden            Grade: B

The Thunder eliminated their biggest weakness and gave Russell Westbrook a running mate in the backcourt. The combination of Westbrook, Harden, Jeff Green, and Kevin Durant is downright frightening for what the future has in store for the Thunder. Look for this team to dramatically improve their win total (23) from last year. NEXT YEAR: much improved, but back to the lottery.

The Kings surprised everyone by selecting Evans over Rubio (Credit: ESPN)

#4    Sacramento Kings        Tyreke Evans            Grade: D

This was a shocker. It seemed every mock draft, rumor, or news report had Ricky Rubio coming to Sac-town. Evans has flaws in his overall game. He is raw, but there is an abundance of raw, young talent in Sacramento. In three years, one must question where Evans will be in comparison to Rubio. Low grade is for not selecting Rubio. The kid displayed abilities and poise years beyond his age in the Olympics against the redeem team. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Ricky Rubio will likely be dealt or play next season in Europe (Credit: ESPN)

#5    Minnesota Timberwolves    Ricky Rubio            Grade: B
The T-Wolves got their man with Rubio. Flynn (see 6th pick) is an athletic, charismatic type player whom will lift his teammates on and off the court. However, he is one of 5 guards selected by Minnesota. We here at Protect the Paint envision Rubio emerging as a superstar in this league. Look for multiple moves in the near future from Minnesota. A good question is if Rubio even plays in the NBA this year. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Jonny Flynn has the talent to star in Minnesota for years to come (Credit: ESPN)

#6    Minnesota Timberwolves    Johnny Flynn            Grade: B-
Guard #2 of 5 selected by Minnesota. It will be very interesting to see who is dealt and who is kept. With Minnesota’s luck, it is a safe bet the guy dealt experiences greater NBA prosperity. Right now, Rubio has far more trade value. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Stephen Curry: NBA Rookie of the Year? (Credit: ESPN)

#7    Golden State Warriors        Stephen Curry            Grade: A+
The Warriors high-octane offense just acquired a serious scoring threat. Scouting reports knocked his defense and decision-making. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Bay Area. The only disclaimer in Oakland: the brass told Monta Ellis they would not select a PG. If the two can get along, the Warriors could be quite dangerous when going small. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Hill is the Knicks consolation prize after Curry was taken at 7. (Credit: ESPN)

#8    New York Knicks        Jordan Hill            Grade: C+
The Knicks lost out big time by not being able to draft Stephen Curry but are satisfied with Hill. Hill provides immediate relief if David Lee leaves. Pundits believe he will thrive in Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun style of play. Will the Knicks ever be good again? NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Can DeRozen make Chris Bosh reconsider leaving Toronto? (Credit: ESPN)

#9    Toronto Raptors        DeMar DeRozan        Grade: A-
This is possibly the best pick the Raptors could have hoped for. DeRozen is freakishly athletic.  Will be a key piece in forcing Chris Bosh to consider staying, If Bosh leaves, Toronto has a solid component to build around for the future. NEXT YEAR: if they keep Chris Bosh, this should be a playoff team in 2010.

Brandon Jennings appears poised to excel for the Bucks (Credit: ESPN)

#10    Milwaukee Bucks        Brandon Jennings        Grade: B-
It will be interesting to listen, watch, and read about how coach Scott Skiles and his new point guard get along. It could be like dynamite and nitro glycerin. With Richard Jefferson gone, and rumors of Luke Ridnour being on the block, Jennings and Ramon Sessions will form the nucleus of a young Bucks backcourt. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Terrence Williams joins a crowded backcourt in New Jersey (Credit: ESPN)

#11    New Jersey Nets        Terrence Williams        Grade: B
Williams will fit into a young backcourt rotation of Devon Harris, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Courtney Lee now that Vince Carter is headed to Orlando. If he learns to be consistent as a pro he will be fun to watch. It is a safe bet New Jersey might hold a higher pick in next years draft with their youth movement officially set in motion. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Michael Jordan drafted archrival school Duke's Henderson (Credit: ESPN)

#12    Charlotte Bobcats        Gerald Henderson        Grade: C-
Wow, Michael Jordan drafted a Dukie. At least he didn’t draft fellow UNC alum Tyler Hansbrough (see next pick). Henderson is super-athletic a very good defensive player. Will need to develop more of an offensive game or he could become the next Bruce Bowen (minus the corner three). Weird pick with Earl Clark still on the board. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be a better team, but back to the lottery.

Indiana failed heinously selecting Tyler Hansbrough (Credit: ESPN)

#13    Indiana Pacers            Tyler Hansbrough        Grade: F*
Hansbrough might be a tough guy—a blue-collar worker whom Indiana fans will appreciate—but he appears to be a man without a position in the NBA. Lacks the foot speed and athleticism to succeed at this level. Indiana blew it. This organization already misses Donnie Walsh. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

*F grade due to who was selected at pick #14.

Brandon Jennings stepped in late on behalf the 14th pick Earl Clark (Credit: ESPN)

#14    Phoenix Suns            Earl Clarke            Grade:  A
The Suns are obviously in a rebuilding mode. Earl Clark is a shooting guard in a big man’s body and will give the team versatility. Good ball handler for his size (like a right-handed Lamar Odom). Needs to improve his range. If the rumors about his lack of work ethic prove unfounded, Phoenix could have the steal of the 2009 NBA Draft. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

n4hb7pc32j