Antetokounmpo, Oladipo, LaVine, Plumlee to compete in Slam Dunk contest
The field of dunkers for this year's all-star Slam Dunk contest is set.
The four contestants will be Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine and Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee.
Presenting the #SpriteSlam Dunk Contest field at @NBAAllStar: @G_ante34 @VicOladipo @ZachLaVine & @masonplumlee! pic.twitter.com/ivSUH8nDAM
— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2015
LaVine figures to be the prohibitive favorite. The 6-foot-6 guard boasts a 41-inch max vertical and throws down picture perfect dunks like it's nothing.
Oladipo, however, is no slouch. He's the shortest of the four contestants, but last year's runner's up to Rookie of the Year has a habit of pulling out 50's in game action.
Not to be discounted, the long-armed Antetokounmpo is pretty much capable of anything. Antentokounmpo boasts a 7-foot-3 wingspan, which allows him to embarrass defenders on the regular.
Finally, Plumlee has to be considered the dark horse candidate, but he's also thrown down a three-ball dunk before, so anything is possible.
This year's Dunk Contest will return to its classic format, notes Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports. Dunkers will compete in two rounds, dunking three times per round.
The Dunk Contest will take place on Feb. 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET as the final event of All-Star Saturday festivities.