The NBA’s All-Star weekend is truly one of the most anticipated sporting events in the world. Aside from the All-Star game, skills challenge, and the three-point contest, it also features a group of uber-athletic dunkers in the Slam Dunk competition who will try to out-dunk and outscore each other. But, with fans now wanting to “see more”, the NBA could finally listen to fans’ picks on who should participate in the event. The people have spoken and here are their top 6 choices for the 2024 Slam Dunk Contest. Also, we won’t be listing the reigning Slam Dunk champion, Mac McClung, since he’s already been invited to this year’s competition.
The NBA has delivered invitation to Mac McClung to participate in the 2024 All-Star Slam Dunk Contest, per sources. McClung has opportunity to defend his title. He is the reigning G League Player of the Month, averaging 25.4 PPG, 6.3 APG and 4.3 RPG for Orlando's Osecola Magic. pic.twitter.com/mP1tAACCcH
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 18, 2023
Jericho Sims
“Athletic, Long, Tall”. Ask anyone and they’ll probably agree with that description of the New York Knicks big man, Jericho Sims. Sims, who is currently in his third year in the NBA, participated in the 2023 Slam Dunk contest against Mac McClung, Kenyon Martin Jr., and Trey Murphy III. However, the former Texas Longhorns standout failed to capture the trophy.
Jericho Sims got WAY above the rim on his first dunk 🤯#ATTSlamDunk x #StateFarmSaturday
📺: Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/eSggpxZ12n— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2023
Sims had all the physical tools to become an exciting dunker and could have even won the Slam Dunk contest if he wasn’t nervous. Some fans would still love to see him compete again, but his lack of pizzazz may led again to his defeat.
Aaron Gordon
After being robbed on several occasions, should Aaron Gordon participate in the Slam Dunk contest again? There are still some fans that want to see AG back in competing again, but the question is, will he do it?
The greatest NBA Slam Dunk Contest ever between Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine took place on this day in 2016 🔥🏆pic.twitter.com/B8cIiXM3QS
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 13, 2023
Given his past experiences, it may be unlikely for the 28-year-old to showcase his emphatic dunks again knowing there’s more in the sport than just being a slam dunk title holder (i.e. being an NBA champion).
Ja Morant
Well, well, well, if it isn’t one of the most controversial NBA players of 2023. Ja Morant had just made his return to his team a few days ago after a long suspension, but the young superstar is still in his All-Star form. Fans have been wanting to see Morant in the Slam Dunk tournament considering how electrifying the Grizzlies point guard plays. His poster dunks are one of a kind and everyone would love that kind of showmanship during the All-Star weekend.
JA MORANT OVER VICTOR WEMBANYAMA.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 3, 2024
Also, if Ja Morant joins, maybe Zion Williamson would also be enticed to participate since he thought of joining the 2024 slam dunk competition a year ago. After dunking over Victor Wembanyama, Ja should definitely be showing his dunks in a competitive scene.
Anthony Edwards
The Minnesota Timberwolves are filled with nasty dunkers, Naz Reid, Rudy Gobert, Troy Brown Jr., and many others, but their best player, Anthony Edwards, is undoubtedly also the team’s best dunker.
ANTHONY EDWARDS POSTER 😤 pic.twitter.com/PuidbeyZae
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 22, 2023
Edwards already had a gallery of poster dunks at just 22 years old and he’s slowly becoming a superstar. People have always wanted to see him in the Slam Dunk contest and maybe we’ll finally get to see him grace the court this year.
Malik Monk
2023-2024 6th man of the year favorite, Malik Monk, is really out there doing some wild in-game dunks. So far, Monk has already made two entries for “Dunk of the Year”, which is very impressive, to say the least.
Malik Monk ELEVATES for the LOB 😤pic.twitter.com/ukoXIWeju1
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 1, 2024
Fun fact: Malik is the Arabic translation for “King”. Should Malik Monk finally grace the slam dunk contest and capture the title of Slam Dunk King?
Shaedon Sharpe
Portland Trailblazers sophomore Shaedon Sharpe is Arguably the best in-game dunker this season, hence why fans believe he should be going up against Mac McClung in the upcoming 2024 Slam Dunk contest.
Watch this Shaedon Sharpe dunk immediately pic.twitter.com/HIEUIEte76
— INSIDE HOOPS – NBA Basketball (@InsideHoops) February 15, 2023
Not only is Sharpe making a case for the 2023-2024 Most Improved Player of the Year awardee, but the 20-year-old is showing he’s the best dunker today. Honestly, aside from Malik Monk, Shaedon Sharpe may just be the only guy who could give McClung a run for his money in the championship round.
