In the very first year that the NBA held the Dunk Contest, M.L. Carr represented the Detroit Pistons among the field of rim-rattlers, but the contest was constructed much differently than we know it today. Back then, the contest took place during halftime at various NBA games throughout the season, so the event was a multi-venue ordeal that included all 22 teams in the league. During halftime of each game, there was a one-on-one Slam Dunk Contest, and the winner eventually advanced until only one player was left standing– Darnell Hillman of the Indiana Pacers.Â
