In just a few weeks, the NBA will give us one of the most exciting All-Star Game Weekends in history.
Between the returning talent and the promising newcomers, this year’s All-Star Weekend is going to really have something for everyone.
And, of course, one of the biggest parts of the weekend will be the NBA Dunk Contest, which has had some of the most legendary moments in basketball history.
This year, the NBA has worked very hard to put together a lineup that is going to make all fans happy.
The expected players participating in the dunk contest will be Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets, Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic, Juan Toscano-Anderson of the Golden State Warriors, and Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks.
BREAKING: Expected participants in the NBA Dunk contest;
– Jalen Green
– Cole Anthony
– Juan Toscano-Anderson
– Obi Toppin(via @ShamsCharania)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 1, 2022
Based on what we know about each of these players, we are all but guaranteed and amazing show and some incredible dunks.
Toppin’s Show To Lose?
As you may remember, one of those dunkers has appeared in the contest before.
Of the four players participating, Toppin is the only one that appeared in last year’s year event, although he ultimately lost to Portland Trail Blazers star Anfernee Simons in the final round.
🚨 OBI TOPPIN WILL BE BACK BACK IN THE DUNK CONTEST THIS YEAR 🚨pic.twitter.com/huCmTFnaYR
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 1, 2022
Some people believe that his previous experience – and an entire year to hone his skills – have given Toppin the upper hand.
However, it must be noted how fierce the competition will be this year.
While it is worth noting that none of the participants rank in the top ten in total dunks this season, that doesn’t mean they won’t put on quite a show.
Currently, Toppin has delivered 66 dunks this year, Green has 26, Toscano-Anderson has 20, and Anthony has nine.
While none of these guys may not be dunking as much as, say, Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz, they all have the talent and size to create some out-of-this-world dunks.
There is no doubt the judges will have a tough task in picking a winner this year.
No Big Names?
There was a time when some of the biggest names in the NBA were part of the dunk contest.
People fondly remember when Michael Jordan (1987, 1988) and Kobe Bryant (1997) played in – and won – the contest.
But it’s been quite a while since the most well-known NBA superstars took part in the dunk contest.
There are plenty of reasons for this.
For one, the season is so jam-packed now that many players don’t have the desire to participate.
Secondly, many of the largest names in the game are saving themselves for the actual All-Star Game.
Thirdly, in an age of the internet and YouTube and Twitter and TikTok, there is no need to appear in the dunk contest to set the world on fire.
Many of the guys playing today can become viral simply by creating wonderful dunks during the season and not saving their best for the dunk contest.
But no matter if these are the most popular men in the league or not, this year’s dunk contest is sure to be fantastic primetime TV that shouldn’t be missed.
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