The month of February holds a special place on the calendars of NBA fans. Amidst the fast-paced NBA season, everyone looks forward to a breather during the NBA All-Star weekend.
One of the weekend’s special attractions, the slam dunk contest, has seen a decline in star power over the years. However, this time, a particular name has emerged to generate more excitement among fans. But before diving into that, let’s explore some key details of this year’s Slam Dunk.
2024 Slam Dunk contest: date, venue, prize money
The 2024 Slam Dunk contest is scheduled to take place at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, February 17th. While the exact start time remains unknown, it is anticipated to be the final event of the night following the 3-point contest between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu.
"IT'S OVER!"
— ClutchPoints NBA (@ClutchPointsNBA) February 12, 2023
On this day in 2000, Vince Carter shut DOWN the slam dunk contest in Oakland with one of the most memorable performances of all time 😤pic.twitter.com/wzAM2zSKdZ
The special LED court, unveiled for the event, is a spectacle on its own. But participants need not to worry as the NBA hands out a significant prize money to the four participants. The winner of the contest pockets a modest sum of $100,000. The runner-up gets $50,000 and the rest of the two get $20,000 each.
Who are the contestants in 2024 Slam Dunk contest?
The Slam Dunk contest has lost its star-studded charm over the years. From Michael Jordan winning back-to-back in 1987 and 1988 to Kobe Bryant in 1997 to arguably the greatest dunker ever, Vince Carter in 2000, the contest had its fair share of big-time participants.
The final known NBA All-Star to participate in the contest was DeAndre Jordan in 2017. But this year that might change with one name who is reportedly “seriously considering” giving it a go, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown.
While there’s no official confirmation of the other participants this year, it is believed Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. and 2023 Slam Dunk contest winner Mac McClung will be in the mix.
Just in — East All-NBA/All-Star forward is seriously considering participating in the Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend: pic.twitter.com/tm3vyzChp8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2024
Tracing back the 30-year heritage of the contest, there are multiple players to win it on more than one occasion. With 3 wins to his name Nate Robinson (2006, 2009, 2010) stands atop the Slam Dunk mountain.
Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, Harold Miner, Jason Richardson, and Zach LaVine all have 2 wins apiece. Among them, only MJ, Richardson, Robinson and LaVine have gone back-to-back.
The three names rumored to participate this year suggest that the battle for the 2024 Slam Dunk crown has the potential to be a memorable one for the fans.
