The 2023 NBA All Star weekend is right around the corner which means an entertaining evening awaits fans on All Star Saturday as four first-time contestants go toe-to-toe in the dunk contest.
Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe was tipped to be the heavy favorite to take home the crown but he has since pulled out of the contest.
The contest will take place on Saturday February 18.
2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contestants
- Mac McClung (G League – Delaware Blue Coats)
Best in-game dunker: Kenyon Martin Jr
Despite standing 6-foot-6, Kenyon Martin Jr is able to slam it over bigger opponents on a nightly basis. He’s got the athleticism of his father, Kenyon Martin, but is more known for being an in-game dunker.
Fan favorite: Mac McClung
The legend of Mac McClung goes back to his high school days where his dunks would often go viral. After going undrafted in 2021, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer league before joining their G League affiliate. Currently making highlights for the Delaware Blue Coats, McClung has played one game for both the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
Dark horse: Trey Murphy
Trey Murphy is not the best dunker on his team (Zion Williamson owns that title) but the second-year guard is a flashy dunker who could have the tools to pull off a surprise. He doesn’t have the same hops as some of the other contestants but has the finesse to pull of some fine dunks.
The big dunker: Jericho Sims
Sims could be the second straight Knick to win the Slam Dunk contest after Obi Toppin won it in 2022. The second-year backup center will have a height advantage over the other contestants. History however won’t be on his side- the last time a center won the contest was Dwight Howard in 2008.
