Too Simple, Too Simple

On February 15, 2014, the NBA All-Star Game had not been this hot in a very long time.

Over the past few years, the All-Star Game had been in decline. Falling ratings had forced the league to repeatedly alter its various rules in an effort to reignite fans' interest.

But the facts proved that bringing the All-Star Game back to life was nowhere near that complicated. All they needed was for real stars to take part, and the fans would naturally buy in.

And today, ever since the Eastern and Western All-Star practices and interviews that morning, people had been talking about that superstar—Link.

"LeBron, will you be at the Slam Dunk Contest tonight?" Even when reporters interviewed James during All-Star practice, all they asked about was the Slam Dunk Contest.

"Of course. Is there anyone in the world who loves basketball and would miss tonight's Slam Dunk Contest? I'll be there, my son will be there, and my whole family is ready to enjoy tonight's visual feast."

"Will I be there in person? Let me tell you, I've already bought insurance for myself, just in case my jaw gets dislocated." Although Carmelo Anthony had been at odds with Link during the regular season, he was just as deeply interested in tonight's show.

The only star who expressed disdain for the Slam Dunk Contest during an interview was Link's sworn rival, Kevin Durant.

"Russell Westbrook is the best dunker in my mind, so I don't plan on watching tonight's contest. So what if Bill Simmons wears women's clothes? He wouldn't look good anyway."

Durant wore an indifferent expression. He had no intention of helping build hype for Link.

But Durant's resistance changed nothing. In Link's words, "There are only two people in this world who don't want to see me