Sadly, the rumors aren’t true and we won’t get to see Vince Carter in the 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest as he makes his final lap around the league before heading off into retirement. Though, that’s probably a good decision in terms of preserving his legacy. In any case, the four contestants in this year’s competition have enough talent, spring in their legs, and air beneath them to make this an all-time classic. And even if the performances are subpar or gimmicky there is plenty of excitement to be had if you place a wager on the highlight of the weekend.
Dennis Smith Jr. felt like he was going to be the future face of the Dallas Mavericks franchise when he was selected by the Mavs in the first round of last year’s NBA Draft. That’s not going to happen anymore, though, as the Mavs have traded Smith to the Knicks after Dallas fell in love with Luka Doncic. Although Doncic is perceived to have a brighter future and a higher upside than DSJ, the Slovenian can’t hold a candle to Smith when it comes to gravity-defying highlights. The former NC State Wolfpack competed last year in the same contest, but ultimately lost to then fellow rookie Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz.
Miles Bridges will have the entire crowd behind his back in Charlotte, and that’s a big plus for him. He’s more than just a crowd favorite, though, as the former Michigan State Spartan could win the competition regardless of location based on what hes shown so far in the limited time he’s playing in his rookie year. On the season, Bridges is averaging 6.5 points, 1.0 assist, and 3.5 rebounds per game in 18.9 minutes per contest.
Big men don’t have a good history in the Slam Dunk contest, but that doesn’t mean John Collins won’t impress the unfortunately not-too critical judges. As the biggest player in this four-man duel, Collins will bring power to his dunks. He’s been a highlight factory for the Hawks ever since breaking into the pros last season as Atlanta’s first-round pick, and that continues to be the case in his second year in the NBA.
Now here’s a prediction – Collins will invite teammate Vince Carter out on to the court and reenact one of the icon’s dunks from the 2000 contest. If it’s an attempt of the McGrady-to-Carter under-the-leg dunk it will fail badly (Collins doesn’t have the agility or stature) so please Collins, don’t try it. He may attempt the windmill 360 on a handoff from Carter, and if he makes it he will bring the house down. But that’s wishful thinking, as once again, the big man does not have the physicality for it. This guy pretty much specializes in dunks off of alley-oops so expect his attempts to be just that, with at least one or all coming from Carter.
Below is the NBA’s “highlight” reel for John Collins with an embarrassing number of clunky alley-oop and rebound dunks. We’re only sharing this to show you that this dude doesn’t have a chance this Saturday night.
Adding to the youth of the Slam Dunk contest is Thunder rookie Hamidou Diallo, who got past a scary injury earlier this season to sneak into this contest. He’s some kind of an unknown for most NBA fans, especially those who don’t follow college basketball, but Diallo has shown how capable he is in pulling off insane midair feats as early as his days in Lexington with the Kentucky Wildcats. Consider him a sleeper in this event, but don’t get too shocked if he tops the field.
Writer’s Prediction
Dennis Smith Jr. brings down the house in Charlotte and wins this thing.
