From the time the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest was introduced, it has always been a spectacular one. A moment where gravity-defying athleticism meets pure creativity. Remember when Vince Carter soared through the air in 2000, leaving the crowd speechless? Well, an NBA fan can never forget it.

Fast forward to 2025, and the contest is the same or rather, it’s even more exciting. With fresh faces and legends, it’s shaping up to be a showdown. So, come, let’s see all the participants and judges for this season.

Who are the participants and the judges for the 2025 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in San Francisco?

As we know, the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is set to take place in San Francisco and promises to deliver another exciting chapter in the history of high-flying basketball performances. And as always, the Slam Dunk Contest has sparked both anticipation and debates, especially with the recent shift in the competition’s dynamics. So. let’s see who all are the participants.

The Participants:

The first name that comes is Mac McClung. Someone who everyone is synonymous with. His creativity and gravity-defying dunks will be back to defend his title. The Orlando Magic player, who plays for the Osceola Magic in the NBA G League, has made a lasting impression on fans in his two NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest victories. He will become the first player in the contest’s history to win three times. His unique dunks, filled with flair and creativity, have made him a household name in the basketball world. And let’s see what this year will see him attempt to extend his legacy. But he does have some strong contests.

Joining McClung in the contest will be Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls, a rising star in the NBA. This season, Buzelis will make his Slam Dunk debut. And, with this, he will be the fifth player in Bulls history to compete in this event. Imagine joining the ranks of basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen! Not a small feat, right? However, as the anticipation surrounding his performance is palpable, fans can expect to see some jaw-dropping dunks that he will bring to the stage.

Next up in line is Stephon Castle, the talented young player from the San Antonio Spurs. Castle will be the fourth Spurs player to participate in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest, following in the footsteps of past participants like Johnny Dawkins and Greg “Cadillac” Anderson. Remember his recent game against the Charlotte Hornets? If not, then, in that game of his, he proved all his worth. He scored a career-high 33 points; one thing is sure: “He will set the stage on fire.” In addition to this, this is his first time stepping onto the Slam Dunk stage, so he won’t let the chance go without showcasing incredible dunks.

Finally, we have Andre Jackson Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks in the lineup. With this, he will become the fifth Bucks player to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest, joining some big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Pat Connaughton. As the Bucks continue to rise as an elite team, his presence in the contest only adds more intrigue. His athleticism and power make him a serious contender to steal the spotlight on dunk night. So, now that we know about the participants, let’s look into the judges.

The Judges:

The judges for the 2025 contest are a star-studded one. It combines NBA legends with an influencer who represents the fans. The panel will see Baron Davis, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, Jason Richardson, and Jesser, a basketball creator who has become a prominent figure in the online hoops community. Well, we know that each judge brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and experience to the table.

Baron Davis, a two-time NBA All-Star and a standout point guard, is known for his creative plays and explosive dunks during his career. Meanwhile, Kevin Garnett, oh, no introduction, right? He is easily one of the greatest power forwards to ever play the game. They will be judging by his trademark intensity and basketball IQ. But wait, we do have others too.

Tracy McGrady, a former NBA scoring champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP, also a 7x NBA All-Star, will add his expertise to the mix. On the other hand, Jason Richardson, a two-time Dunk Contest champion, will offer insights from his own winning experiences.

The inclusion of Jesser, a content creator and influencer with 1.3 million Instagram followers, is an exciting twist. He will represent the fans, and for the first time, fans will submit their scores for each dunk. The average of all fan submissions will count as one official score, and Jesser will be the one to reveal it. This fan-driven element adds a new level of engagement, making the event even more interactive and enjoyable for the global audience.

In conclusion, with all the diverse group of judges and a lineup of promising dunkers, the 2025 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest is gearing up to be a great event. Now, one thing is sure: Whether McClung can pull off a historic three-peat or Castle pulls off some great numbers, it’s a new star emerges. One thing is for certain: this year’s contest will be one to remember.