NBA All-Star Game Dunk Contest: Players Who Can Elevate the Competition and Challenge Mac McClung

Memphis Grizzlies v Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo : Harry How/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Ja Morant (#12) of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball in front of LeBron James (#23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 127-113 Grizzlies win at Crypto.com Arena on January 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

The 2023 NBA All-Star Game Dunk Competition was entertaining. However, objectively speaking, it was a one-man show.

Mac McClung dominated the event, scoring 99.9 for all his four dunks.

The 6'2 guard was reportedly called up again for this year's edition, which will be held in Indiana. Fans will see gravity-defying dunks again.

But not to take anything from McClung, the dunk Contest 2024 could improve in more ways than one.

Most obviously missing in the Slam Dunk Contest is the star power. Sure, it is a platform for rising stars to strut their wares, but it could still use the appearance of someone already at an All-Star level.

Right now, those who are confirmed to participate are McClung and Miami Heat's impressive rookie Jaime Jaquez.

It can still elevate by having these players participate.

Ja Morant should be on this list, but he suffered a season-ending injury, making him available only by the 2024-2025 season.

1. Lebron James

It is long overdue. Lebron teased fans many times before.

This year, the Mamba year, is the perfect time for him to participate. Every year is the perfect year for him.

Read more: Teams Who Must Trade for Raptors Star Pascal Siakam

He remains a creative dunker, as he showed in each All-Star game. He has dunks that only he can do.

That dunk he did over Paul George in their win against the LA Clippers should be enough to make people believe he still has it. People need no convincing.

Lebron James should participate in the Dunk Contest. Fans have been waiting for it for 20 years.

2. Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs rookie is bound for greatness, and it would not hurt to see him in the dunk contest. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant both participated.

He is a different specimen. A player as tall as 7'6 should not have that kind of athleticism. This is why it is intriguing to see him in the contest.

He can do a lot of things in the air with his height.

3. Zion Williamson

Zion is another player who dunks as if he wants to break the rim and yet does it like a beautiful butterfly.

The clamor for him to join has always been there since he arrived in the league, but it has yet to happen for some reason.

Last year, he said he was leaving doors open for the Dunk Contest. 

"I'll think about it," he said in an interview with Complex. "I'll put heavy consideration into doing the dunk contest. I feel like if I am going to do it, I'd probably do it next year." 

The NBA is yet to finalize the list of NBA All-Star Dunk Contest participants, and he is generally healthy all year long. Maybe 2024 is the year for him.

4. Jonathan Kuminga

This is the most low-profile name on the list, but he is up there with the rest when it comes to dunking.

He is the most exciting player in the Warriors' lineup, and it is only fitting that more people get to see his leaping ability and power dunks.

He is playing for one of the most popular teams in the NBA right now, which should attract fans.

Related article: 5 Underrated Players Who Deserve to Be an NBA All-Star This 2024

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