I'm actually surprised that people thought the NBA slam dunk contest was boring and stale until Saturday night's performances by Dwight Howard and Gerald Green. I think the negative perception of the contest is based on the fact that our expectations are too high for these guys. We literally want to see them fly out of the building.
So to prove that today's dunkers are much better than those of the past, take a look at these highlights from the 1976 ABA Slam Dunk Contest - the first ever dunk contest. This should cure you of your nostalgia. Most of these guys wouldn't even score a 40 for their dunks if they were getting judged today. Dr. J is the only guy who really brought it. And even then, he would lose today unless he brought out the free throw line dunk. And I'm not even sure that would get him a win.