2015 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest: Preview, Prediction
By Dan Schultz
@DSchultz89
Getty Images
2015 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest
Contest Time, TV: Saturday, Feb. 14 – 8:00 p.m. EST on TNT
Contest Participants: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Zach LaVine (Minnesota Timberwolves), Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic), Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn Nets)
The 2015 NBA All-Star Dunk contest will take place tonight and the fans could not be more excited. Granted, it is unfortunate that star players like LeBron James still refuse to take part in it, but given the circumstances, the cast we have for this year’s event could not be better.
The NBA has done their best to include a big man in the event over the years, which is a reason why we see Plumlee this year. I feel that he may have an uphill battle because the smaller you are in the dunk contest, the better. Just ask Nate Robinson, the 5-foot-9 guard of the Denver Nuggets who has won it three times, including one inexplicable occasion when he defeated Andre Iguodala in 2006 when Iguodala clearly had the better package of completed dunks.
If Antetokounmpo is to emerge as the winner, he will have to utilize his insane wingspan and length to impress the judges. There is no questioning his athleticism, but much like his game, I feel like his dunking could still appear to be very raw and undeveloped, although still possessing a lot of potential at the same time.
This is why I believe the final two contestants who will square off will be guards Oladipo and LaVine, whose impressive verticals and finishing abilities around the rim should make them the favorites of this competition.
In the end, I see LaVine taking it. If you have watched this guy’s dunk mix-tapes in the past, you know he can really throw it down with authority. This is the right kind of competition for him to show off his boundless athleticism and power around the basket. Ultimately, I see him just edging Oladipo.
Dan Schultz is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
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