The 2022 NBA dunk contest was forgettable to say the least. Stars around the league were collectively deflated after what they witnessed in the finale of NBA All-Star Saturday night.

A handful of them believed they could've possibly taken home the trophy this year – a list that includes Kevin Durant, Paul Pierce and De'Andre Hunter.

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A few others lobbied for another NBA All-Star to take the stage next season. Donovan Mitchell and Kendrick Perkins were both in agreement that Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant would electrify the dunk contest. Safe to say it certainly needs a jolt of energy after what we witnessed.

The lowlight-filled event had everybody, including Donovan Mitchell once more, missing Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon, who held arguably the greatest dunk contest in NBA All-Star history back in 2016.

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A few guys, however, remained supportive of their teammates despite the overall subpar showing. New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson was behind eventual winner Obi Toppin (cause someone had to win, right?) while Damion Lee of the Golden State Warriors was totally proud of fellow finalist Juan Toscano-Anderson.

While Giannis Antetokounmpo is touted by some as the modern-day Shaq, the two NBA All-Stars could not have had more contrasting reactions to the dunk contest. The Bucks star was as excitable as always even as he watched the failed attempts. Shaq, on the other hand, is a much tougher critic to please.

Do better next year, NBA dunk contest. We're all rooting for you.