NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2012: Who Will Be This Year's Breakout Star?

Each season, the slam dunk contest helps at least one contestant rise in popularity and earn his chance of becoming a household name among basketball fans worldwide.

This year, Paul George will be the breakout star from the dunk contest. Not only will he shine with his amazing dunking ability and tremendous leaping skills, people will finally get to know his name.

George is a fantastic player; but playing for the Indiana Pacers has not allowed him to earn the national recognition he deserves. That's not a knock on the Pacers, who have built a quality roster that will only get better over the next few years. But they don't get the national attention that teams such as the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls do in the Eastern Conference. 

Even though there isn't any major stars in this year's dunk contest, George doesn't think the event will suffer.

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“I’m sure the actual basketball fans and fans of the dunk contest [will watch]. I’ve got some dunks lined up that will have them off their feet and some stuff they haven’t seen before. I think the real and honest fans of the dunk contest will appreciate the dunks that I’ve got for them.”

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George is averaging just over 12 points and five rebounds per game this season, both of which are improvements over his rookie numbers from last season. He's playing an important role for a Pacers team that is one of the best young squads in basketball and will be a very tough to beat in the playoffs.

He is an immense talent that excites Pacers fans every night with his unreal athleticism. That same athleticism will be on full display Saturday night when George wins the slam dunk contest and becomes a household name.

If you haven't been paying attention to Paul George yet, you certainly will be after Saturday night.