The 2014 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was the stuff of nightmares. No one could follow the format and, for some reason, there were three winners.
Thankfully, that travesty has been chucked out. The competition has returned to more traditional roots for the 2015 instalment.
Unfortunately, the quartet of high flyers the NBA has assembled doesn’t really capture the imagination—mainly because the competitors aren’t household names.
But just because Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Oladipo, Zach LaVine and Mason Plumlee aren’t the most recognizable faces in the NBA, that doesn’t mean they can’t throw down.
With that in mind, here’s a little 411 on each competitor… along with a few highlights showcasing what these kids can do above the rim.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Position: All
Age: 20
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 217 lbs.
The Skinny: Probably the most recognizable competitor—largely due to the uniqueness of his nickname, “The Greek Freak”—is also one of the NBA’s brightest ascending stars. Antetokounmpo has the height to play centre and is learning to play point guard right now under Jason Kidd’s tutelage. As far as dunking the basketball goes, his wing span is basically the entire length of the court. Theoretically, he should be able to recreate any dunk ever executed and add a few of his own.
Highlight Reel:
Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
Position: Guard
Age: 22
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 210 lbs.
The Skinny: One of the most dynamic college players in recent history, Oladipo is enjoying an ever-improving sophomore season on Magic team that, despite its record, is definitely on the rise. Oladipo displays the kind of aerial acrobatics usually reserved for dunk contests within games, so it should be a lot of fun to see what tricks he has up his sleeve.
Highlight Reel:
Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves
Position: Guard
Age: 19
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 183 lbs.
The Skinny: While most would’ve preferred to see his Bounce Brother Andrew Wiggins, LaVine should be considered the favourite coming into this contest. As far as actually playing NBA basketball is concerned, the rookie has yet to get a firm grasp. But he can certainly fly with the best of them and already has entire Youtube playlists of dunks that could win it for him. Here’s just a sampling.
Highlight Reel:
Mason Plumlee, Brooklyn Nets
Position: Centre
Age: 24
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 235 lbs.
The Skinny: Unlike Antetokounmpo, Plumlee is a true big man. In fact, he’s one of the best young bigs in the game—as evidenced by his selection to Team USA at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. As a traditional big guy, he’s also the biggest underdog in the field. Bigs tend to suffer in the dunk contest since their most impressive jams come usually in traffic when they’re putting some poor fool on a poster. Still, Plumlee is freakishly athletic and has more in his bag then people want to give him credit for. See for yourself.
Highlight Reel: