Okay, while there’s a little more involved than the title suggests, Chicago Bulls rookie forward Tyrus Thomas was fined by the NBA after making a comment telling his reason for participating in the Dunk Contest was to get paid. Of course, that’s what a strong majority (if not all) of the dunkers are after, considering they could be resting over the break and enjoying a short vacation.

The other dunkers involved in the contest are reigning champ Nate Robinson, Gerald Green, and Dwight Howard. The winner should be Green by a long shot. Robinson edged out Iguodala last year after 14 attemps at a single dunk, Thomas doesn’t seem to be in it for the win, and Dwight Howard may have a hard time impressing the judges at 6′11″.

This year’s judges will include a couple active players for the first time. Air Jordan himself, along with Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, Vince Carter, and Kobe Bryant will decide the outcome of this year’s competition. By both Carter and Bryant accepting the offer to judge, the NBA must be trying to squish rumors that both former dunk champs may try and revitalize the contest theirselves.

Dwyane Wade and Mehmet Okur are the Players of the Week for last week’s play. With Carlos Boozer injured again, Okur led the Utah Jazz to victories over the contender Spurs and Suns.