NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2012 Player Profiles

This year's Slam Dunk Contest has not received much attention. That is in large part due to the lack of star power amongst the participants. This year you do not have the leaping ability of "The Griffin," "Superman" coming out of a phone booth and/or "Kryptonate" leaping over things in a single bound. Also, with Shumpert pulling out it became even less appealing. However, there are many reasons to watch this year's contest.

The two former Arizona Wildcats will leave you wondering what is being put in the food in Arizona. You will see the perks of being very youthful when jumping in the air and the benefits of having a long wingspan.

All of the participants are young, rising stars and will prove that they belong in this contest. Learning a thing or two about the participants will probably make it more appealing. Check out your 2012 NBA Slam Dunk contestants.

Jeremy Evans

Jeremy Evans is the most unknown of the group because of his role on the roster. This young phenom is currently sitting behind Derrick Favors, Paul Milsap, Al Jefferson, Enes Kanter and Gordon Hayward. With a formidable amount of options for the front court, Jeremy is averaging 5.6 minutes a game. With Jeremy not being able to earn minutes, why should we pay attention?

Jeremy Evans has a wingspan longer than all of the other contestants and with his ability to jump, Evans will have no problem getting above the rim. With one step, Jeremy can reach 12' 5". We have to wait and see what he will be able to do with a running start.

Evans is in his second year out of Western Kentucky where he was Courtney Lee's successor. He brought many highlights to Western Kentucky; one of which is a video clip of Evans in non-game action taking two steps from the three-point line and jumping over his head coach, Ray Harper. He cleared him cleanly, even with Harper moving in fear.

We have seen that big men normally struggle in the dunk contest, however, this young man is a very athletic big man. As Shumpert's replacement and the least known of the group, he seems to be the odd-man-out as a favorite to win. Gerald Wallace might say otherwise after being posterized by Evans.

Derrick Williams

This former Arizona Wildcat is having a good rookie year as a backup player to Kevin Love and Michael Beasley. The talent ahead of him has limited his minutes, but he has made the best of his time averaging 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in under 20 minutes a game.

Although he isn't getting more playing time, here is why Williams becomes a contender in the Dunk Contest. Derrick is well known for his ability to throw it down—and aggressively at that. Like Evans, he has a long wingspan reaching 7'2". Combine that wingspan with a 35" vertical and he gives us plenty of reason to try and see what he will do.

He will probably be the most comfortable with everyone watching him as he received a lot of coverage during March Madness and the NBA Draft. Being the second pick of his draft class, he has the most star power of the group and will not be shaken by being on the big stage.

All of his dunks will come down with sheer force, which adds to the wow factor. If he can manage to add some of the grace from his three-point shot to his throw downs it will be impressive.

Paul George

In the days leading into the Dunk Contest, Paul George has emerged as a favorite to win; And rightfully so. He is the only player participating who is currently a starter. With the highest amount of playing time, he has had more opportunities to showcase what he will provide to the Dunk Contest.

The second-year player is having a solid year for a young player. How does that translate to the Slam Dunk Contest?

He does not have the wingspan of a seven footer, but what he does have is full body control and a lot of grace when in the air. He also has the second highest vertical in the dunk contest at 36.5" combined with great athleticism.

Paul has been airborne since his days back at Fresno State. Whether he brings back classics—like the windmill or the through the legs dunk—or tries something we have never seen before, it is clear that he has the potential to be able to do some impressive dunks. The question becomes, how far will his mind take him? His creativity could solidify what the critics have believed.

Chase Budinger

Chase is currently in his third year out of Arizona and is coming off of the bench for the Houston Rockets. He has shown that he has a great jump shot and rarely drives to the basket. When he does it quite impressive.

Budinger comes in fighting the same stereotype that Brent Barry crushed in 1996 when he won the Slam Dunk Contest. That stereotype is, "White Men Can't Jump." I am telling you now that Chase Budinger can jump.Chase Budinger has a vertical leap of 38.5", which the highest of all contestants. He was also nicknamed "Air Bud" throughout his high school and collegiate career.

Another thing that makes him a force to be reckoned with in this contest is that he is the only one to participate in a nationally televised dunk contest. He was a participant in the 2006 McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Contest and came in second place to Gerald Henderson. He made some pretty impressive dunks on that day, putting through a windmill from just past the foul line (pictured above).

His experience and impressive vertical can provide him a slight edge, and it is sure to provide some entertainment.

2012 NBA Dunk Contest Player Profiles

At the end of the day. The world be introduced to a new high flying dunker and entertainer. This years dunk contest can serve as stepping stool for the future stars of the NBA. I hope you will be watching. I know I will.