USA Today via Reuters
Nov 28, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) makes the basket against the Chicago Bulls in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 28, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) makes the basket against the Chicago Bulls in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
In less than two weeks, on February 17th, the All-Star Weekend Dunk Contest is likely to see its first All-Star participant in 6 years. Boston Celtics’ forward Jaylen Brown is likely to join reigning slam dunk champion Mac McClung, Jacob Toppin of the Knicks, and Jaime Jaque Jr., of the Miami Heat. With All-Star Brown joining the Slam Dunk, fans have been sent into a frenzy.
Sources: The NBA’s likely Slam Dunk Contest participants at All-Star Weekend:
Mac McClung, Jaylen Brown, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Jacob Toppin.
🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/P474qRHULz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2024
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Back in the day, the Slam Dunk Contest was the crown jewel of the All-Star weekend. It was a star-studded event garnering millions of views and genuine global interest. Superstars such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, and Dwight Howard participated in the coveted contest to display their elite skills and rising stardom.
However, the trend faded, leaving the competition largely to G-league players such as Mac McClung (not to take anything away from his accomplishments). In a surprising turn of events, 27-year-old All-Star Brown, in his top-notch prime, has decided to give the fans a real All-Star show and the internet is loving it.
I will always appreciate Jaylen Brown for bringing stars back to the Dunk Contest. He’s goated now.
— BronForTheWin (@LakerLegendBron) February 6, 2024
I do salute Jaylen Briwn for being one of the first. All star level players to step up
— Afterpay Papi (@Chiefkeith94) February 6, 2024
Return of an All-Star
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Even the likes of Lou Williams applauded Brown’s participation in the Slam Dunk Contest, thanking him for bringing back star power. JB is set to become the first Celtic to compete in the contest since Gerald Green in 2007 and the first All-Star since Victor Oladipo in 2018.
The Celtics’ shooting guard has been averaging 22.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in the 46 games he has played this season. Brown has been putting his best foot forward this season. Even though he hasn’t participated in the contest earlier, JB currently ranks 27th in total dunks in the League, making him a top contender for the contest.
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Even though in recent years, participating in the Slam Dunk Contest might not have seemed as prestigious or even a lose-lose situation to some, the return of All-Star Jaylen Brown could be just what the Contest needs to recapture its former glory during the days of Jordan followed by Bryant.
Watch the Story: Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis Mull Over Deserved Humiliation vs Depleted Lakers
