2015 Slam Dunk Contest Participants

[Andrew]

LaVine, Antetokounmpo headline 2015 Sprite Slam Dunk field

The four-man field for NBA All-Star Saturday's marquee event has been set. As announced on NBA TV Tuesday night, the Sprite Slam Dunk will feature Minnesota Timberwolves rookie guard Zach LaVine, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo, and Brooklyn Nets big man Mason Plumlee. Yahoo's own Adrian Wojnarowski reported last Wednesday that this group would participate in the event, which will cap the Valentine's Day festivities at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

A four-man field, three of them from the East, which I take to mean last year's East vs. West concept has been scrapped. Good. It had potential, but at the end of the day, I think it ruined last year's contest. I'm guessing they'll still mess up the format with a weird rule, or fan voting that begins before the final round has even begun, but at least it'll be a little closer to the traditional contest.

[JaoSming]

I havent seen anything for or against fan voting (so assume there will be fan voting) but evidently the format with be old school, 2 rounds, 3 dunks each round.

[Andrew]

Fan voting wouldn't be so bad if it at least opened after the final round (thus making the final round actually matter), but at least it's an old school format.

[Moz]

Gutted that Wiggins' not participating... meanwhile the more anticipated 3 point contest line-up is stacked and has the potential to upstage the dunk contest this year...

[Stress Fracture]

Mason Plumlee??

[JaoSming]

Mason Plumlee??

h8r

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also



http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nb ... /22435371/

The event returns to a more traditional format, ditching last year's team competition. The first round will allow each competitor to complete two dunks, getting three attempts at each dunk. Five judges will score the dunks, with the top two scorers going on to the final round and getting two more dunks in the same format.

Fan voting, which has played a role in deciding the victory since 2008, no longer will be part of the process.

[Mandich]

If it's true that fan voting is out then the contest is actually going to make sense again.

[Andrew]

FINALLY.

I mean, I know it's an exhibition for the fans, but it just made a mess of the contest. The old format was fine; some years are just better than others. Here's hoping we get a fun contest, and it encourages the league to leave the format alone for the foreseeable future.

[Kevin]

No Ross or Green?

[NovU]

Gutted that Wiggins' not participating... meanwhile the more anticipated 3 point contest line-up is stacked and has the potential to upstage the dunk contest this year...

When I looked at 3pt contestants names it was actually exciting. Curry and Korver are having historically good year as shooters and I believe these two will be remembered for their performance from 3pt line. I also like Matthews and Klay, they're awesome shooters. But I think it'll be a great treat for the fans if Curry vs Korver happens for the finals in this contest.



As for the dunking contest, I don't remember the last time paying much attention to this event. Post Vince Carter has been rather underwhelming. And who are these this year's contestants?

[shadowgrin]

As for the dunking contest, I don't remember the last time paying much attention to this event. Post Vince Carter has been rather underwhelming.

Desmond Mason says fuck you.
Iguodala too if he wasn't robbed.

[NovU]

Who dat?

I kinda remember Nate Robinson but it kinda got bored quickly after winning it on first try.

[Murat]

You all forget Jason Richardson.



On the contest, my candidate is Christian Laettner v2.0, Mason Plumlee. At least he will make the finals

[NovU]

Jason who?

Just stop it guys. I vividly remember Brent Barry and end of discussion.

[Moz]

Everybody's on the Plumlee hatewagon but I reckon the Greek Freak guy will be a Ibaka 2.0 on this...

[shadowgrin]

Who dat?

Oh right, I forgot you're a Heat fan and only started watching the NBA back in 2010. My bad.

[NovU]

I see some truth in that.

I'm no benji, a stone age bball historian.