While it has had its ups and downs, the Slam Dunk Contest has become one of the most anticipated events of the All-Star Weekend in recent years. Fans have been captivated by the exhilarating performances from stars such as Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordon, Vince Carter, and Mac McClung. They’re eagerly anticipating similarly spectacular displays this year too.

This season, the NBA has lined up an exciting group of players for the Dunk Contest. Miami Heat’s rookie Jaime Jacquez Jr., defending champion Mac McClung, New York Knicks’ rookie Jacob Toppin and 3x NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown will all participate in the contest. Jaylen Brown becomes the first All-Star to take part in the Slam Dunk contest since 2017.

Brown would aim to become just the third Boston Celtics’ player to win a Slam Dunk contest. Only Dee Brown in 1991 and Gerald Green in 2007 have won the contest as a Celtic. However, Brown will seek assistance from Jayson Tatum to secure victory in the contest.

Brown hints at using Jayson Tatum as a prop

Jaylen Brown has remained coy about his plans for the dunk contest, as he doesn’t want to spoil the surprise for the fans. But he has hinted at using Jayson Tatum as a prop. Following the Celtics’ win over the Wizards, Brown said, “I may or may not use props. I got about six in the chamber or whatever. We’ll see which ones I end up going with, but definitely be on the look for JT to make an appearance on it. Definitely want to use the All-Star weekend, the fun activities to be able to build with your teammates and share some of that. If JT is available, for sure it will be fun.”

Players have used their teammates and other players as props in the past too. During the 2020 Dunk Contest, Aaron Gordon used 7’5” tall Tacko Fall as a prop. 2019 dunk contest winner Hamidou Diallo also used Shaquille O’Neal as a prop on one of his dunk attempts. Apart from dunking over teammates and ex-players, some players have come up with the wildest ideas for the contest. In 2011, Blake Griffin made a dunk by jumping over a car (Kia Ultima).

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Another instance of ingenuity happened in the 2016 dunk contest. Aaron Gordon showcased his creativity with a memorable dunk where he incorporated the Orlando Magic’s mascot as a prop. He completed an impressive under-the-leg dunk, earning a perfect score of fifty points. If this year’s Dunk Contest comes even close to such ingenuity, then the fans will be in for a thrilling watch. But who do you think will win the contest? Let us know in the comments below!

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