The Slam Dunk contest at 2024 All-Star weekend in Indianapolis will feature some history, with an All-Star taking part in the contest for the first time since 2017. Boston Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown, who is a reserve in the game Sunday, will take part in the contest Saturday alongside defending champion Mac McClung, Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Knicks two-way player Jacob Toppin.
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
McClung, who stole the show in Salt Lake City a year ago, remains in the G League. Brown’s participation is significant, largely because it shows a commitment from a star player to go beyond the walkthrough of the All-Star Game and attempt to deliver some theatrics for the weekend as a whole. Jaquez Jr. isn’t known for his dunks but he’s been impactful for a Heat team that believes it can win a championship. We’ll see if Toppin can replicate McClung’s success as a two-way player in the event a year ago.