NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2015: Full Preview and Odds for Every Participant
Even though the field isn't loaded with superstar talent, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has done little to lose its luster as the must-see event of All-Star Saturday in Brooklyn's Barclays Center.
The contest brings something new to the table every year. Last season included an infusion of star talent, but in 2014-15, the league is putting some of the NBA's most exciting and athletic youthful talent on display.
Along with four first-timers, the contest will feature a new format that should bring out the best in the performers, per NBA.com:
"Returning to a classic format, the Sprite Slam Dunk will be a two-round event in which the four participants can perform any dunk they choose without time limits. The players will have a maximum of three attempts to complete each dunk in both the first round and the final round. Five judges will score every dunk on a scale of 6 to 10, resulting in a high score of 50 and a low score of 30.
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Let's take a look at everything else you need to know.
When: Saturday, February 14
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Start Time (ET): 8:30 p.m.
TV: TNT
| Zach LaVine | Minnesota Timberwolves | -110 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | +225 |
| Victor Oladipo | Orlando Magic | +300 |
| Mason Plumlee | Brooklyn Nets | +700 |
Note: Odds courtesy of Odds Shark, last updated Feb. 8
Slam Dunk Contest Participants
Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves
Timberwolves rookie guard Zach LaVine won't yet be 20 years old when he participates in Saturday's action, but he's already one of the most dangerous above-the-rim players in the league.
LaVine's pure athleticism was his best asset coming out of UCLA, and he's delivered on that aspect of his game in his first season. He's averaging just 7.8 points per game but showcases his leaping ability often.
The talented guard isn't the only promising young player in a field chock-full of them, but his chances seem as good as anyone's. Odds Shark has him as the overwhelming favorite, and CBS Sports' Zach Harper thinks it's his to lose:
What separates LaVine from the rest of the field—and most of the NBA—is his ability to elevate off one foot, which limits him in basketball games but is a sight to see in the open court.
He has his fair share of contenders, but LaVine should have a neck up on the competition Saturday night.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Few—if any—players in the league have taken off in their sophomore campaigns quite like Bucks sophomore Giannis Antetokounmpo. And I mean that both figuratively and literally.
Head coach Jason Kidd can't ask for much more from the Greek Freak on the court, as he's averaging 12 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for the surprising Milwaukee Bucks. But while his overall game speaks for itself, nothing stands out more upon watching him play than his incredible athleticism at 6'11" and 217 pounds.
While it's hard to envision him leaping with the likes of LaVine, the overall length of Antetokounmpo promises to deliver some memorable jams come Saturday night. With an eye-popping wingspan and noticeable athleticism above the rim, he'll be dazzling viewers whether or not he hoists the trophy.
Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo has taken the next steps to becoming a franchise player for his team and has validated his status as one of the league's best young talents.
One thing that has never lacked in Oladipo's game is his insane athleticism and ability to attack the rim.
At just 6'4", Oladipo can jump out of the gym with his ability to get above the rim and jam down alley-oops. He's been warming up throughout the season, as this video clip shows:
The 22-year-old is coming into his own this season with 16.6 points per game, but he's at his best when attacking the basket in transition. Throughout his days at Indiana and in his brief but promising NBA career, he's showcased his ability to throw down ridiculous dunks. That will be on display again Saturday.
Mason Plumlee, Brooklyn Nets
He may be the wild card among the four-man group, but just getting an invite to the party is an honor when it comes to the Slam Dunk Contest. However, Mason Plumlee isn't here to pick up a participation medallion.
While he doesn't generate the hype of fellow second-year players Antetokounmpo and Oladipo, the Nets center's impact isn't lost in Brooklyn, where he averages 10.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Abusing the rim is no rarity for Plumlee, as shown by the Nets' Twitter account:
The haplessness of the Nets and Knicks organizations have made the presence of their best players rare in this year's All-Star weekend. But fortunately for those in the Big Apple, Plumlee will be crashing the Slam Dunk Contest party in the hopes of stealing the show.
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