THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — Toronto Raptors rookie Jamario Moon faces some stiff competition in the NBA slam dunk contest.
Gerald Green of the Minnesota Timberwolves will be back to defend his title Feb. 16 in New Orleans, the league announced Monday.
Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, who also wowed the crowd in last year’s slam dunk contest in Las Vegas, is entered, along with Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Moon is the first Toronto player to compete in the slam dunk contest since Vince Carter won it in spectacular fashion and Tracy McGrady finished third in 2000.
The 27-year-old Raptors rookie, who did a stint with the Harlem Globetrotters, has impressed Toronto fans this season with his high-flying antics. Moon has been secretive about his preparation for all-star weekend, except to hint that his dunks will involve props.
Moon is averaging 8.3 points a night and ranks second among NBA rookies with 6.5 rebounds and 1.62 blocks.
For the first time, fans will have a say in deciding the winner of the slam dunk contest. A panel of judges will determine which two players advance to the final round. Fans can cast their votes online for the winner, which will be determined by a combination of judges and fan voting.
Green recorded the three highest scores of the night to win last year’s event, including a perfect score of 50 on his final slam as he windmilled while hurdling a table.
Howard was also impressive in Las Vegas, leaping high to slap a sticker onto the backboard several inches above the rim.
Golden State’s Jason Richardson was the last player to win back-to-back titles, capturing the 2002 and 2003 events.
