Jaylen Brown, Mac McClung, Jaime Jaquez, Jacob Toppin: What to Know About NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2024 Participants

The Slam Dunk contest used to be the highlight of every All-Star weekend, but its influence has significantly declined in recent years.

G League star and reigning champion, Mac McClung, revived interest in the competition with his stellar performance last year. At the All-Star 2024, Mac McClung continues to participate to defend his title.

Among the players participating in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics stands out as the most prominent name, as he is an All-Star. Additionally, this year’s competition features Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat – one of the most impressive rookies of the season. The remaining participant is Jacob Toppin, a rising star from the G League.

Let’s dive into everything about the Slam Dunk Contest 2024 with Sporting News.

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List of players participating in the Slam Dunk Contest 2024: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Brown is a rare star in recent years to accept an invitation to the Slam Dunk Contest. The last time an All-Star participated in the dunk contest was in 2018, with Victor Oladipo.

Brown is known for his excellent shooting, which often overshadows his ability to attack the rim. Brown has had numerous poster dunks against top stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Rudy Gobert, LeBron James, and Pau Gasol.

Brown will challenge any defender and is ready to dunk over them. If given enough space, Brown doesn’t hesitate to throw it down. With his impressive leaping ability, Brown’s dunks look powerful. Whether Brown can win the contest or not, his fast and powerful dunks are what fans crave at the Slam Dunk Contest.

Mac McClung, Osceola Magic (G League) McClung is a professional dunker. Standing at 6’2″, his height is a disadvantage for his basketball career but an advantage in the dunk contest. His modest height allows McClung to spend more time in the air before reaching the rim, resulting in more visually appealing techniques.

This was evident in the 2023 contest when McClung dominated the competition. He executed difficult dunks like the double-clutch reverse jam over a friend’s head and a 360 two-handed windmill. McClung is perhaps still the strongest contender for this year’s dunk contest.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat Jaquez is a rookie who has garnered significant attention this season. He has been consistently praised for his outstanding performances. One notable moment was his powerful poster dunk over Colin Castleton of the Lakers in his Summer League debut.

While not physically imposing, Jaquez has one of the best vertical leaps in the NBA Draft Class 2023, standing at 39 inches. Jaquez also has previous experience in the Slam Dunk Contest.

A California native, Jaquez participated in a high school contest alongside Kenyon Martin Jr. of the 76ers and Drake London of the Falcons. Ultimately, Jazquez emerged victorious and was praised by Bulls legend Scottie Pippen.

Jacob Toppin, Westchester Knicks (G League) Among the four participants, Toppin is the least famous. He is the son of Obi Toppin, who currently plays for the Indiana Pacers.

The Westchester Knicks rookie played three years for Kentucky in college, where his impressive 42.5-inch vertical leap stood out, notably achieved in a professional game for Kentucky.

Toppin has turned the G League into his own dunk contest, throwing down 360-degree dunks, sky-scraping alley-oops, and powerful tomahawk jams.

Toppin may be less famous, but he is one of the most skilled dunkers. He could create a Cinderella story and earn himself fame like McClung did last year, winning the Slam Dunk Contest.

Where to Watch the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest? In Vietnam, fans can follow all the exciting events of NBA All-Star 2024 on NBA League Pass. Fans can choose from various viewing packages according to their needs and can also enjoy a 7-day free trial.

NBA All-Star 2024 Event Schedule February 17 07:00 — NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 09:00 — NBA All-Star Rising Stars Game February 18 02:00 — NBA HBCU Classic (Virginia Union vs. Winston-Salem State) 08:00 — All-Star Saturday Night Event Skills Challenge 3-Point Contest Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu 3-Point Contest Slam Dunk Contest February 19 08:00 — NBA All-Star Game