Griffin to headline dunk contest

The Los Angeles Clippers rookie will join Milwaukee point guard Brandon Jennings and big men JaVale McGee of Washington and Serge Ibaka of Oklahoma City in next

The Los Angeles Clippers rookie will join Milwaukee point guard Brandon Jennings and big men JaVale McGee of Washington and Serge Ibaka of Oklahoma City in next month's event at All-Star weekend, the NBA announced Wednesday.

Griffin's powerful slams have made him a YouTube sensation and the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year honors, and his presence brings a needed boost to what was a lackluster event last year. He will have home-court advantage in the contest at Staples Center on Feb. 19.

"I'm excited. It's something I've always watched growing up," Griffin said in Los Angeles. "To be able to have a chance to be in it and participate, it's going to be a lot of fun."

1984 -- Larry Nance, Phoenix

1985 -- Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta

1986 -- Spud Webb, Atlanta

1987 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago

1988 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago

1989 -- Kenny Walker, New York

1990 -- Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta

1991 -- Dee Brown, Boston

1992 -- Cedric Ceballos, Phoenix

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2000 -- Vince Carter, Toronto

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2002 -- Jason Richardson, Golden State

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