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The four-man field for the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest is set.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Orlando Magic’s Mac McClung—the two-time defending Slam Dunk Contest champion—will be joined by San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis and Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. in this year’s event.
McClung is obviously the main attraction.
He became not only the first G League player to ever appear in the Dunk Contest back in 2023, but also the first one to ever win it, dazzling fans with a series of memorable moves.
And he defended his title last year, clinching the win by dunking over NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
McClung will be looking to become the first man to ever win three Dunk Contest titles in a row. He would also tie Nate Robinson for the most Dunk Contest championships (three) with a victory.
It was unclear if he would pursue the three-peat after his comments following last year’s events.
“I don’t know. We’ll think about it,” he told reporters after his 2024 win when questioned about going for a third straight title. “I’m not sure yet.”
He’ll have some top competition this time around, however. Castle has shown off some serious hops in his rookie season.
So has Buzelis. Both Castle and Buzelis have Slam Dunk Contest experience, albeit not at the NBA level, competing at the 2023 McDonald’s High School Dunk Contest.
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Heading into tonight’s McDonald’s All American Game, Matas Buzelis is already receiving strong interest from several brands on a potential shoe deal.<br><br>The <a href=”https://twitter.com/DraftExpress?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@DraftExpress</a> projected #1 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft will sign with the G-League Ignite, and can sign a full shoe deal now. <a href=”https://t.co/Izveqn7D1Q”>pic.twitter.com/Izveqn7D1Q</a>
And Jackson’s dunking prowess dates back to his high school years.
So this should be a fun event. But until someone proves they can unseat McClung, he’ll remain the prohibitive favorite.