NBA · 1 year ago

2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Preview: Can McClung Defend His Title?

John Canady

Host · Writer

2024 Slam Dunk Champion Pick
This Slam Dunk contest may be one of the closest competitions to predict in recent years. All of the athletes competing have a case to take home the hardware, but at the end of the day, only one man can win. That said, I think Jaime Jaquez Jr. will shock the world and beat Mac McClung in the final round by a very slim margin.
2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Preview: Can McClung Defend His Title?
The NBA All-Star break is approaching quickly, and before teams get a chance to enjoy their entire week of rest, they’ll get a chance to enjoy the All-Star festivities in Indiana over the weekend, including the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. As Mac McClung looks to defend his title, he’ll have a big challenge ahead of him.
Who are the judges?
The NBA has done a great job filling out the judges for this event in the past few years. This year, the league continued to get big names to help decide the winner of the Slam Dunk Contest. Looking ahead to Saturday night, legends like Gary Payton, Dominique Wilkins, Mitch Richmond, Fred Jones, and Darnell Hillman will round out the judging table for the contest.
Mac McClung, Osceola Magic
Mac McClung is one of the most talented dunkers in the league today. At only six-foot-two, McClung has the bounce and athleticism to put together some of the best dunks. Throughout his career, whether in high school, college, or even the NBA, the combo guard has put together a highlight reel like no other. Now, McClung can defend his title and maintain his status as one of the top dunkers in the NBA.

Dunk Contest Odds (BetMGM):

Opened: -225 | Current: -220 | Ticket%: 18.2 | Handle%: 74.4
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
When the contestants were announced, Jaylen Brown was among the more surprising additions to the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The Celtics' star had been recruited to participate in the dunk contest nearly every season since his rookie year but was never interested. However, Brown opted to try his luck in the Slam Dunk contest this year, stating that he believes he’s in his “athletic prime." The All-Star also suggested that he hopes his participation will help motivate other NBA stars to return to the contest and bring stardom to the competition. Nonetheless, Brown has the potential to win the whole thing. With his athleticism and ability to jump out of the gym, he could make a statement on Saturday night.

Dunk Contest Odds (BetMGM):

Opened: +525 | Current: +525 | Ticket%: 21.2 | Handle%: 6.1
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
Jaime Jaquez Jr. may be the name I am most excited about. The UCLA product doesn’t get the credit he deserves as an athlete, and while he’s only shown flashes of his dunk potential with the Heat, there is plenty of film showing how good of a dunker he is. Jacquez Jr. won a dunk contest in high school, beating out the 76ers’ KJ Martin and even NFL wide receiver Drake London. With his next-level confidence for a rookie, expect the 22-year-old to put on a show.

Dunk Contest Odds (BetMGM):

Opened: +800 | Current: +800| Ticket%: 30.3 | Handle%: 14.7
Jacob Toppin, New York Knicks
Jacob Toppin may not be known to many, but like his brother Obi Toppin, the young forward is an elite dunker. At six-foot-eight, the rookie has the length and bounce to do some dunks we have never seen. Toppin could shock the world this weekend and make his name one to remember.

Dunk Contest Odds (BetMGM):

Opened: +500 | Current: +500| Ticket%: 30.3 | Handle%: 4.7
2024 Slam Dunk Champion Pick
This Slam Dunk contest may be one of the closest competitions to predict in recent years. All of the athletes competing have a case to take home the hardware, but at the end of the day, only one man can win. That said, I think Jaime Jaquez Jr. will shock the world and beat Mac McClung in the final round by a very slim margin.
2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Preview: Can McClung Defend His Title?
The NBA All-Star break is approaching quickly, and before teams get a chance to enjoy their entire week of rest, they’ll get a chance to enjoy the All-Star festivities in Indiana over the weekend, including the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. As Mac McClung looks to defend his title, he’ll have a big challenge ahead of him.

2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Preview: Can McClung Defend His Title?

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