Fans of high-flying basketball action are ready for the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, as the NBA has officially announced the field of participants for this year’s exciting event set to take place on February 15 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The contest will feature four competitors: two-time defending champion Mac McClung of the Orlando Magic, alongside rookie sensations Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, Matas Buzelis from the Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks' second-year guard Andre Jackson Jr.
Mac McClung, who has made headlines for his impressive dunks since entering the league, will attempt to become the first player to win the Slam Dunk Contest three consecutive times. After first capturing the title in 2023, McClung defended his championship successfully last year with crowd-pleasing performance, capped off by jumping over NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal to earn perfect scores from the judges. His latest victory solidified his place among greats like Michael Jordan and Nate Robinson, who are among the few to have won back-to-back titles.
McClung, currently signed to a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic, has spent significant time playing for their G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic. Throughout the season, he has demonstrated his scoring prowess, averaging 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists with strong shooting percentages. Despite only appearing briefly with the Magic this season—just once for 4 minutes—McClung has managed to build anticipation around his performance at the Dunk Contest.
Joining McClung are the promising rookies Stephon Castle and Matas Buzelis, both of whom have caught the eyes of fans and analysts alike. Castle, selected by the Spurs, has contributed significantly to his team's efforts this season, showcasing impressive dunking skills during games. Buzelis, on the other hand, brings his own flair to the contest, having made his mark as part of the Bulls' roster. Both players will be making their Slam Dunk Contest debuts, knowing their performance can set the tone for their young careers.
Another competitor, Andre Jackson Jr., drafted by the Bucks, is noted for his aerial prowess as well; he dazzled audiences last season with his highlight reel of athletic dunks, including memorable moments during the regular season. Jackson's inclusion promises to add yet another level of excitement to the competition.
Despite the allure of these rising stars, the Dunk Contest has long faced scrutiny for its lack of participation from big-name players. Jaylen Brown was the last All-Star to compete, finishing second to McClung last year amid much debate over the scoring decisions made during the competition. The absence of marquee names like Zion Williamson—who once expressed interest if voted as an All-Star—continues to be palpable, and some fans have expressed disappointment about the trend of seeing mainly non All-Stars take center stage.
Yet many fans echo sentiments about the actual spirit of the contest—focusing on the creativity and execution of the dunks rather than merely the fame of the players involved. “While it’s fun to get ‘stars’ involved, at the end of the day, this event is about the dunks to me,” one observer noted, emphasizing the importance of impressive and original dunks over celebrity status.
The 2025 Dunk Contest will be broadcast on TNT, along with other All-Star Saturday night events including the Skills Challenge and the 3-Point Contest. This year, the festivities will begin at 8:00 PM EST, promising fans an exciting night of basketball talent and entertainment.
With the anticipation ramping up for the event, McClung’s quest to etch his name in history as the first to achieve three consecutive Dunk Contest titles looms large. Meanwhile, the stage is set for Castle, Buzelis, and Jackson to showcase their skills and deliver some unforgettable dunks. Regardless of who takes home the trophy, the unpredictability and sheer spectacle of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest continues to draw excitement as it remains one of the highlight events of All-Star Weekend.