New York (AFP) – Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers was among four newcomers named Saturday to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest at next week’s NBA All-Star festivities in Los Angeles. San Antonio rookie forward Carter Bryant, Miami forward Keshad Johnson, and Orlando rookie guard Jase Richardson — the son of 2002 and 2003 Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson — will join center Hayes for the February 14 event at the home of the Los Angeles Clippers. The two-round format will feature judges scoring each dunk. A combined two-dunk score will decide which two of the four players advance to the final round, with combined scores from two more dunks determining a champion.
Hayes, a 7-footer (2.13m), is in his seventh NBA campaign and third with the Lakers. He was suspended for a game earlier this month for pushing a Washington Wizards mascot. Chicago guard Mac McClung, who became the first player to win the Slam Dunk Contest three times in a row the past three years, was named to the NBA Rising Stars game next Friday. McClung will replace San Antonio guard David Jones Garcia, who has an injured right ankle.
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The league also announced a return to All-Star festivities of the Shooting Stars team skills competition to the lineup after last being contested in 2015. Rather than teaming a Women’s NBA standout with an active player and retired star, the timed shooting event will include two current NBA players and a retired legend. This year’s four trios include Team Knicks, featuring New York stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns with former Knicks standout Allan Houston.
Team All-Star includes Toronto swingman Scottie Barnes, center Chet Holmgren of reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City, and retired three-time NBA All-Star Richard Hamilton. Team Harper includes three family members — five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr. and sons Ron Harper Jr. of Boston and Dylan Harper of San Antonio. The last squad includes All-Star Jalen Johnson of Atlanta, Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, and retired 14-year NBA player Corey Maggette.
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