Why Jaylen Brown will have a successful debut in the NBA Dunk Contest Why Jaylen Brown will have a successful debut in the NBA Dunk Contest
OSTON — Jaylen Brown made a significant contribution to the NBA Slam Dunk Contest by being the first All-Star to compete since 2017.
Brown, 27, becomes the Celtics’ first representative in the tournament since Gerald Green defeated Dwight Howard and Nate Robinson in 2007. At the time, 17 years ago, the dunk contest was a far more anticipated event, both for fans and players, before gradually slipping into the background of All-Star weekend festivities.
Inherently, Brown’s All-Star status and expanding prominence — Brown has been an NBPA Vice President since 2019 — might assist rehabilitate the contest’s already tarnished reputation. At the same time, Brown has a strong argument for winning.
Mac McClung (G League, Orlando Magic)
Mac McClung, the reigning slam dunk champion from last season, returns for another shot at hosting the “Dr. J” trophy.
McClung, 25, stole the show last season as the competitor who was clearly the most prepared. McClung easily won over the judges (and spectators) with the props, agility, and originality he displayed. Standing at only 6-foot-2, McClung was supposed to win over the crowd as the underdog, but the consequences aren’t quite as bleak for the NBA journeyman this time around. McClung was legitimate last season, and we now know it.
McClung is the favorite among all entrants, with -170 odds, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. That gives him a significant edge over Brown (+250), who is considered the oddsmakers’ runner-up.
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