The 2015 NBA All-Star Game will be one of the most entertaining matchups of the year, but the event many basketball fans are most excited about is the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest that will take place on Saturday.
While this year’s competition does not feature the star power it did in the past, first- and second-year players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zach LaVine, Victor Oladipo and Mason Plumlee will be looking to leave a lasting impression on the league.
Here is the full lineup, vital viewing information and a breakdown of the player to watch.
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
When: Saturday, Feb. 14
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Watch: TNT
| Slam Dunk Contest Participants, Odds and Predicted Finish | |||
| Zach LaVine | Minnesota Timberwolves | 10-11 | Third |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | 9-4 | Fourth |
| Victor Oladipo | Orlando Magic | 3-1 | First |
| Mason Plumlee | Brooklyn Nets | 7-1 | Second |
| Source: NBA.com and OddsShark.com. | |||
Player to Watch: Mason Plumlee, C, Brooklyn Nets
One of the players not getting nearly enough credit is Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee. The 6’11”, 235-pound star is one of the largest competitors in slam dunk contest history, but his size is only part of the reason he has been so successful around the rim.
According to CBSSports.com’s Dunk-O-Meter, Plumlee is currently fifth overall this season with 88 dunks in 52 games. During the same span, the second-year player is averaging career highs in both points (10.3) and rebounds (7.0) per game.
Plumlee took to Twitter to share his excitement regarding his selection to the contest:
Mason Plumlee @masonplumleeIt's official, Thrilled to be a #Dunker in the #SpriteSlam Dunk contest @NBAAllStar weekend!
As Fred Katz of Bleacher Report pointed out, Plumlee deserves the honor:
Fred Katz @FredKatzMason Plumlee is getting grief for being in the dunk contest, but he shouldn’t be: #Nets
Basketball fans who truly understand the sport should appreciate the athleticism of a man of Plumlee’s size. With the ability to dunk from the low post, in transition or off the alley-oop pass, Plumlee has become one of the most dynamic dunkers in the NBA.
At just 24 years old, Plumlee is still growing into his body, which makes his ability on the court even more impressive. He has the speed and explosiveness to shake off defenders, and his vertical-jumping ability makes the center almost impossible to stop in the low post.
Another factor to consider is that this will take place in the Barclays Center, the home of the Brooklyn Nets. While many so-called basketball fans have questioned his presence in the Slam Dunk Contest, the fans in the building will be 100 percent behind him.
LaVine and Antetokounmpo have the ability to steal the show, but the battle for the slam dunk title will come down to Plumlee vs. Oladipo. As much as the crowd will be behind Plumlee, the athleticism of Oladipo should help him earn a victory in the final over the second-place hometown boy.
Add in the possibility of a three-ball slam dunk, and Plumlee will also be trying to steal the show.
Plumlee’s Predicted Finish: Second
