Everybody loves to root for the underdog. And when you're officially listed at 5-foot-9 like Nate Robinson is it makes you an automatic fan favorite in the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest.
In 2006 Robinson leaped over 1986 Slam Dunk champion Spud Webb much to the delight of the fans in Houston. The result was Robinson's first Slam Dunk trophy.
Three years later Robinson is still trying to come up with new ideas. Fortunately he has a locker room full of teammates who are always willing to help out to go along with his almost 44-inch vertical leap.
"They say you should try this or try that," Robinson explained. "I'm like, 'Who do you guys think I am?' They think I'm just some jumping bean that can do anything, but I was like, 'I'll try it.' It's pretty cool to be able to have the athleticism that you can try just about anything.
"(Jared Jeffries) tried to get me to do a front flip and dunk the ball while I'm in the air. It was kind of crazy, but it can't happen. Jared comes up with the funniest ideas."
The consensus seems to be that Dwight Howard is the odds on favorite to repeat as Slam Dunk champion. However, Robinson cautioned fans and pundits not to jump to conclusions.
"I'd watch out for J.R. (Smith) and Rudy (Fernandez)," said Robinson. "Everybody's sleeping on them two guys."
In addition to trying to win another Slam Dunk crown, Robinson also plans to spend some time with one of his childhood friends in Phoenix this weekend.
"I have a good friend Brandon Roy who is a two-time All-Star, so just to see him makes it easier for me to think it's in reach to be an All-Star someday. It's great," said Robinson.
This weekend gives players a chance to get away from the day-to-day grind of the NBA season. However, with the trade deadline just around the corner and trade rumors constantly surrounding a team like the New York Knicks who are said to covet cap space in 2010, no one on the team's roster is immune from speculation.
"I don't think of it at all," Robinson said of a potential trade. "If it happens, it happens. The NBA's a business. This weekend is what I'm focused on right now."
Robinson also noted that he likes the new atmosphere in New York and would love to remain a Knick for the foreseeable future.
"(Head coach Mike D'Antoni) and his whole coaching staff have turned our Knick team around spiritually and as a team," Robinson explained. "We have good chemistry and hopefully we can make the playoffs."
Make sure to check out Robinson doing his thing on Saturday night in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest.
Stay tuned to HOOPSWORLD for all of the latest from All-Star Weekend.
