The NBA Dunk Contest 2023 is almost near, which has brought some excitement to fans who have been waiting to see an entertaining show. The league has announced the players who will be participating in this season's All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City.
Earlier this week, the NBA revealed the list of participants, which features a surprising crowd favorite from the G-League. The dunkers will be:
- Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans
- Kenyon Martin Jr. from the Houston Rockets
- Shaedon Sharpe from the Portland Trail Blazers
- Mac McClung from the G-League
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There are clear fan favorites who could put on a show on February 18. This season's participants will feature players who are all under 25 years of age. McClung is the oldest dunker this season at the age of 24, while the 19-year-old Sharpe is the youngest.
On that note, here's a look at the list of which dunker is likely to win the contest, beginning with the one with the least likelihood of winning:
Also read: NBA All-Star Game 2023: What is the process for selecting coaches of both teams?
Trey Murphy III
The NBA Dunk Contest 2023 is a stage for the flashiest dunkers in the league. That's why Murphy was invited by the association. He's part of the New Orleans Pelicans' young core that's expected to boost the team's chances of being a contender. However, he isn't the dunker from the team most fans expect to take part in the contest.
Most would expect Zion Williamson, but it looks like they will have to settle for Murphy, who's an incredible and flashy in-game dunker.
Kenyon Martin Jr.
Just like his old man, Kenyon Martin Jr. is an incredible rim runner. Even at 6-foot-6, he's able to dunk hard on bigger opponents on a nightly basis. Fans already know that he can play above the rim but are yet to see his flashiness.
The Houston Rockets young forward will be one of the more recognizable faces in the NBA Dunk Contest 2023.
Mac McClung
The announcement of Mac McClung in the NBA Dunk Contest 2023 was a surprise to many.
Coming into the contest, he's bound to put on a show, as fans have already seen what he can do up in the air. McClung is also a sure crowd favorite and has a decent fan following.
Shaedon Sharpe
The NBA Dunk Contest 2023 could be a battle between Sharpe and McClung. The Blazers' rookie has shown that he has got an incredible bounce on the court. Even though he's the youngest, Sharpe could leave the crowd in awe with his performances in a few weeks.
Also read: 2023 NBA All-Star predictions: Who will participate in the Slam Dunk Contest?
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