Tim Hawk/NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest participants are set.
This year’s event will feature Orlando Magic G Leaguer Mac McClung, San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis and Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr.
The Dunk Contest will take place on Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ET in San Francisco.
McClung might not be a familiar name to many NBA fans as he’s played just five NBA games since 2021 and has appeared in just one game this season. But those who tuned into the last two dunk contests are well aware of who McClung is.
McClung, who first gained recognition for his ridiculous dunks in high school, has won the last two dunk contests.
McClung is the veteran in this year’s dunk contest, as the other three players will be participating for the first time.
Castle, the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft out of UConn, is putting together a phenomenal rookie year, averaging 12.2 points per game and making a strong case for Rookie of the Year. His first year in the league has, of course, included a handful of big dunks.
Buzelis was the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft after cutting his teeth with G League Ignite rather than the traditional college route. His rookie year hasn’t been very notable thus far as he’s putting up just 5.4 points per game, but he’s looking to turn heads in the Dunk Contest.
Jackson, a second-round pick in the 2023 draft, is averaging 4 points and 3.3 boards per game this season, playing 17.5 minutes per contest. He should bring some exciting dunks to this year’s event as he clearly doesn’t lack any bounce.
This year’s Dunk Contest isn’t exactly a star-studded affair, but it should, like always, have plenty of excitement.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 06: Caleb Martin #16 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after ... [+] falling on the court during the first half against the
On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the LA Clippers (as the road team) by a score 122-97. At the end of the game, rookie Bronny James was given playin
Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty ImagesThe rest of the NBA is on notice because Luka Dončić is joining a red-hot Los Angeles Lakers team.Los Angeles improved to 2
Over the weekend, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history when they landed Luka Doncic (via the Dallas Mavericks). Nea