Who will be competing in the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?

Who will be competing in the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?

The 2024-25 All-Star Break has officially arrived! The Slam Dunk Contest has been one of the league’s most disappointing events in recent seasons. We saw Jaylen Brown do a one-handed dunk over 5-foot-3 Kai Cenat … sitting in a chair. That said, guard Mac McClung is looking to defend his back-to-back title while we have three new contestants in this year’s competition. Let’s dive into it!

Matas Buzelis, F, Chicago Bulls:

Buzelis, 20, was drafted No. 11 overall by the Bulls in June after being one of the most athletic wings in the class. It took him a little while to find a consistent role in the Bulls’ rotation, but he’s scored in double figures each of his last eight games, including a perfect 24-point performance (10-10 FG) against the Miami Heat on Feb. 4. He may be 6-foot-10, but the big wing is a high-flyer. I’m very interested to see what he has planned.

Stephon Castle, G, San Antonio Spurs:

If the season ended today, Castle, the No. 4 overall pick last June, would be my Rookie of the Year. That may or may not be up for debate. He’s averaging 12.9 points and 3.5 assists with elite defense (for a rookie) through 51 games. Anyway, Castle may have a calm, emotionless demeanor–but he’s ferocious around the rim. He’s not afraid of anyone and never appears rattled, so I’ll be curious to see how he approaches this event under the bright lights.

Andre Jackson Jr., G, Milwaukee Bucks:

Jackson and Castle weren’t teammates, but both players were pivotal players for UConn during their National Championship runs. The sophomore wing still isn’t much of a scoring threat when he’s on the floor, but he can soar when he needs to. He doesn’t have the notoriety as the other names on this list, but don’t be surprised if Jackson’s power leads to some highlight slams Saturday.

Mac McClung, G, Osceola Magic (Orlando’s G-League affiliate):

McClung, currently on a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic, has played in just five career NBA games, including one this season. Yet he’s a back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest champion with a few electric slams during the event. We know what he’s capable of. What will he have in store this year?

Prediction: Stephon Castle (does voter fatigue exist in dunk contests?!?)

Who do you think will win this year’s dunk contest? Comment below!

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