NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2015: Participants, Odds and Predictions

Few events turn players into superstars quite like the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

The fan-friendly event has featured some of the best players of the last 30 years, including past winners Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. High-profile competitors such as Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin have also come away with trophies after impressive showings.

However, we have also seen little-known competitors such as Gerald Green and three-time champion Nate Robinson turn into household names thanks almost exclusively to the dunk contest.

That is what we are hoping to see this season, as four younger challengers are ready to step into the spotlight. Here is a look at the players set to compete in the classic two-round model.

Note: Odds in parenthesis, courtesy of Odds Shark.

Mason Plumlee, Brooklyn Nets (7-1)

Plenty of people are doubting Mason Plumlee's candidacy in the contest, as evidenced by his long odds. While he has turned himself into a solid player who averages 10.3 points and seven rebounds per game, he is not someone you often seen on SportsCenter's "Top 10." 

However, as you can see in the video above, not only can he dunk, but he also does it violently.

If you're wondering what his reverse dunk looks like from every angle, you can see it here:

At 6'11", he also has a size advantage over most of the field and has a chance to get high for some interesting dunks. As long as he adds some creativity, Plumlee could surprise people Saturday night.

Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic (3-1)

Although the 2013 NBA draft featured plenty of uncertainty, the Orlando Magic were confident taking Victor Oladipo No. 2 overall. It has paid off, as the guard was named to the All-Rookie team a year ago and has become an even better scorer and defender in his second season.

He has also shown off plenty of athleticism throughout his year-and-a-half in the league, often throwing down vicious dunks.

While we don't know what he will try to pull off in the dunk contest, he did provide ESPN's Jeff Goodman with a cryptic preview:

Either way, Oladipo is likely to become the fan favorite Saturday thanks to an incredible gesture, via Michael Lee of The Washington Post:

With so many negative stories in sports, you have to root for a player who does good when he has the opportunity. Now we just have to hope he has some big dunks in his arsenal.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (2-1)

Giannis Antetokounmpo plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, so it's understandable that the majority of NBA fans haven't seen much of him. And when you look at his numbers each night, you don't see much more than an average starter.

However, his pure basketball skills are something to behold. An advanced scout recently did a good job of summing up the forward's game, via Steve Aschburner of NBA.com:

"

When I filed my report on them, I wrote that 'No matter how long you've been in the game, this guy [Antetokounmpo] will do something tonight that will make your jaw drop.' He tries things but I don't think he thinks about them—they seem to spring from him naturally. The way he's going, he can be a 10-year All-Star for Milwaukee.

"

Fans of the game simply can't stop watching the Greek Freak play basketball in any context. ESPN's J.A. Adande wanted to see him in the All-Star Game:

A player with the size of a power forward and the movement of a guard will always be fun to watch. In a contest based on exciting fans, Antetokounmpo has a good chance to come away on top.

Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves (10-11)

Like Antetokounmpo, Zach LaVine is buried in the national spotlight on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fellow rookie Andrew Wiggins is the one who gets the most press.

However, the player who struggled to get on the floor at UCLA is now making a name for himself with his excellent dunks. Zach Harper of CBS Sports believes it won't even be a contest:

Vegas lines agree, as LaVine is the favorite to take home the 2015 title. The good news is the guard is excited to be in this situation.

"I like that; it's always good to be known as the favorite," LaVine told Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press. "You got to look out for the underdog, though. I got to go out there and make my dunks. I feel like I will be in a good situation."

Teammate Shabazz Muhammad gave a warning to those set to watch the dunk contest, via Phil Ervin of Fox Sports:

Although this four-man field might not have as much notoriety as the players in past years, this will be a breakout moment for the rising stars. If LaVine gets his way, you will know who he is by the end of the weekend.

Predicted Winner: Zach LaVine 

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