Skip to main content

Elevated profile

For those who haven't seen Raptors rookie Jamario Moon in action, All-Star Weekend will be your chance to see what all the fuss is about.

Moon got word last Friday from the league that he'll participate in the Slam Dunk contest Feb. 16 in New Orleans, and he'll most likely play in the rookie-sophomore game as well. Moon is the first Toronto player in the dunk contest since 2000, when Vince Carter beat out teammate Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis for the title.

"He had some of the craziest dunks, man," Moon said of Carter in comments to the Toronto Star. "I hope I can go to the dunk contest and beat some of his dunks. I know if I beat some of his dunks, I can bring the trophy back to Toronto."

It won't be easy for Moon, though. While the field has yet to be announced, Orlando's Dwight Howard -- who wowed fans last year (remember the sticker on the backboard?) but ultimately lost to then-Celtic Gerald Green -- has already said he wants to compete if the league allows him.

And Moon might not even be the only rookie in the Big Easy. Wizards guard Nick Young, who showed off this sweet behind-the-back 360 at USC, has been gathering hype from at least one pro-Wizards blog. Sean Williams, the Nets' high-flying shot-blocker who's already shown off several highlight-reel tomahawks, would also be a solid candidate.

So how excited is the 27-year-old rookie?

"Everybody likes to dunk, everybody who has a dream to play in the NBA and can dunk the basketball always wanted to be in the dunk contest," Moon said. "It's going to be great."

(Send comments, complaints or hype for your favorite rookie to Drew Packham at drew.packham@turner.com.)