Report: Knicks' Obi Toppin Expected to Participate in 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

New York Knicks rookie forward Obi Toppin is expected to participate in the 2021 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

While COVID-19 has limited the 2021 NBA All-Star weekend to one night, the dunk contest will still have plenty of spotlight, as it will take place during halftime of the All-Star Game.

The NBA All-Star festivities are scheduled for March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

No entrants into the Slam Dunk Contest have been officially announced, but a couple of high-profile potential entrants have commented on where they stand.

On Friday, New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Zion Williamson appeared on ESPN First Take and said he is "still thinking" about participating in the contest:

Meanwhile, Chicago Bulls All-Star and two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner Zach LaVine said this week that he "probably won't" take part in this year's contest.

Although Toppin has been limited to 23 games this season because of injury and is playing just 12.1 minutes per contest, he has quickly established himself as one of the best dunkers in the NBA.

Per NBA.com, Toppin has made all 15 of his dunk attempts this season, which comes as little surprise after he dominated in the dunk area during his collegiate playing days at Dayton.

Toppin is averaging just 4.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, but he figures to continue becoming a bigger part of the rotation for a Knicks team that is surprisingly tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference at 16-17.

Although Toppin is still finding his footing in the NBA, he has name recognition after winning the National College Player of the Year award last year, and his dunking ability makes him a perfect fit for the exhibition.