During the NBA All-Star break, every true sports fan gets a case of dunk-contest fever. That goes for professional athletes, as well.
For evidence, look no further than Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Though they were provoked a bit by Mick Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, each player talked a little dunk-contest trash as the NBA prepared for its All-Star Saturday night, which is highlighted by the official NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Here’s what started it: Akers posted classic footage of Raiders Hall of Fame wide receiver Tim Brown throwing it down in 1989 when his NFL career was in full bloom.
With the NBA Slam Dunk Contest tonight, here’s a throwback to Raider great Tim Brown (@81TimBrown) showing off his hops in the 1989 Foot Locker Slam Fest. Need to bring it back with a @derekcarrqb v. @CrosbyMaxx showdown. #raidernation pic.twitter.com/Z7jIjbfXXs
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) February 19, 2022
Carr and Crosby were each tagged in the post, and they didn’t disappoint with their responses, starting with Crosby.
DC Is My Guy…. But He Doesn’t Want Those Problems😭😭 @derekcarrqb https://t.co/XiYUF6RCra
— MaddMaxx (@CrosbyMaxx) February 19, 2022
Shortly thereafter, Carr joined the fun and responded with a rather tame retort, though he didn’t back down from Crosby’s challenge one bit.
I would thoroughly enjoy this opportunity https://t.co/s2mxSM4CyN
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) February 19, 2022
Through it all, Brown had his popcorn ready, so to speak, as did much of the Raider Nation. Brown also offered to judge the dunk-off if it ever takes place.
This were the days!!
Where are the missed dunks!?! Lol They were better than the makes!
Yes, let's see it boys!! I will be the judge! Lol
— Tim Brown (@81TimBrown) February 19, 2022
Though this contest will likely never happen, Brown is right to treat the talk between Carr and Crosby seriously. Each player has shown via social media that they can throw it down on a standard 10-foot hoop.
First, here’s Carr showing off his hops with a little extra sauce, thanks to a lob pass to himself, NBA Dunk Contest style.
.@derekcarrqb posting these dunks on his IG story throwing it down like @Yg_Trece ! Via @RaiderAnalysis pic.twitter.com/SwsrDovIKT
— Chris Alvarez (@CAlvarezABC7) March 16, 2020
Crosby, who stands a few inches taller than Carr, revealed a glimpse into his own ability, dunking from a standstill position.
And 1 Mixtape On The Way😎🦅 pic.twitter.com/UinkaXspbe
— MaddMaxx (@CrosbyMaxx) April 13, 2021
Yeah, these two definitely have the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on their mind.
But despite all the fun between Brown, Crosby and Carr, I’m getting a case of déjà vu here, and it’s not necessarily a good thing.
Carr and former Raiders All-Pro DE Khalil Mack used to have playful competitions somewhat frequently, from games of basketball in Carr’s backyard pool to a proposed footrace.
But after the Raiders handed long-term contracts to Carr and ex-Raiders guard Gabe Jackson in 2017, there was apparently no cap room left to sign Mack to his own monster contract extension. The Raiders, of course, traded Mack to the Bears.
With both Carr and Crosby due for an extension soon, will history repeat itself with Carr and the team’s All-Pro EDGE player? (Second team for Crosby after his incredible 2021 campaign.)
Probably not. But it’s something to keep an eye on. Though Carr and Crosby had some playful competition over their dunking prowess, each of their agents will compete for a share of the Raiders’ finances as it relates to the NFL salary cap.
Ultimately it’s up to Las Vegas’ new regime to make sure they don’t repeat the Raiders’ past and have enough resources to sign their preferred players, especially with Pro Bowl WR Hunter Renfrow in the mix for an extension as well.
But in the meantime, watch out for a potential dunk contest between two of Las Vegas’ biggest football stars. Maybe the winner gets the better contract as their prize? Either way, we’ll soon learn more about what coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler have in mind for their new roster.
