Report: Antetokounmpo, Oladipo, Plumlee to participate in dunk contest; Wiggins says no
The field for this year's All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk contest is beginning to take shape.
According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the participants will include at least three sophomores: Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo, Milwaukee Bucks forward/guard/freak Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee. There's a strong possibility they will be joined by Minnesota Timberwolves rookie point guard Zach LaVine.
It's long been rumored that a different Timberwolves rookie, one Andrew Wiggins, would be participating in the competition. But according to Phil Ervin of FOX Sports, this year's No. 1 overall pick isn't interested. At least, not right now.
"Maybe something in the future," Wiggins reportedly said.
The 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo has developed into a human highlight-reel in his second season, helping to turn the previously bland, moribund Bucks into appointment viewing. His preposterously long limbs make him a unique and enticing Dunk Contest competitor.
Oladipo has taken a step forward for the improving Magic, and despite standing just 6-foot-4, he's been known to play above the rim.
Plumlee is Antetokounmpo's height but doesn't stand out as a dynamic dunker. Here's a video of each one of his rookie season dunks.
Plumlee will, however, have the home crowd behind him. The dunk contest is set as the final event of All-Star Saturday night on Feb. 14, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.