Opinion: This Player Will Win The Slam Dunk Contest
On Saturday night, the Slam Dunk Contest is taking place at NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Who Are The Contestants?
- Mac McClung (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Kenyon Martin Jr. (Houston Rockets)
- Jericho Sims (New York Knicks)
Who Are The Judges?
- Jamal Crawford
- Lisa Leslie
- Karl Malone
- Harold Miner
- Dominique Wilkins
I believe Mac McClung will finish the night as the 2023 Slam Dunk Champion.
Why?
McClung is a talented player, but his ability to make exciting plays got him notoriety in high school and college.
The former Texas Tech and Georgetown star has a unique ability to be a showman on the floor.
The Slam Dunk contest is the perfect place for a player like McClung because all eyes in the arena are on one person to make something extraordinary happen.
Many times a player will get nervous or make mistakes, while McClung is going to shine on the big stage.
Recently, the 76ers signed McClung to a two-way contract.
After playing in two games for the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers during the 2021-22 season, he has played for the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League this year.
Over 18 regular season (G League) games, he is averaging 19.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest (while shooting 57.9% from the field and 50.0% from the three-point range).
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons won the 2021 Slam Dunk Contest.
Simons is listed at 6'3", while McClung is 6'2", so he could be the second small guard to win the Slam Dunk Contest in the last three seasons.
