Inside The Celtics

Jaylen Brown Shares Who He Wants to Posterize If He's In 2025 Slam Dunk Contest

If Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown returns to the Slam Dunk Contest, he's set his sights high for who he wants to put on a poster.

Bobby Krivitsky

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Saturday night, Jaylen Brown took part in his first Slam Dunk Contest. No, not just in the NBA, but at any point in his basketball journey, he shared after the competition.

The 2022 All-NBA Second Team selection has earned praise from players past and present for becoming the first All-Star to participate in the event since 2017.

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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

When asked why the league's marquee figures have opted against showcasing their talent in the same Dunk Contest Michael Jordan was eager to sign up for three times in four years, Brown conveyed, "It takes some energy to go out there and do tricks and perform."

He continued, "I think, ultimately, (in) this media era, some players are afraid to make it into a meme or anything like that. I wanted to come out and have fun with it, and that's what I did."

And while the six-foot-six wing got edged out by Mac McClung, who successfully defended his title, the Marietta, Georgia, native impressed those who previously saw him as just an in-game dunker, throwing down powerful, creative, and acrobatic jams.

 "For sure," the 27-year-old said when asked if he accomplished his goals for the evening. "I thought I had fun. I think that was what the ultimate thing was to go out and have fun. I accomplished that. It was an honor. At least, I can say I did it at one point in my career, and I can live with that."

And while Brown didn't win the event, he provided the most poignant moment of All-Star Saturday, honoring the legacy of Terrence Clarke. The Boston native was a local inspiration to countless basketball players. Tragically, he passed away after a car accident at 19 years old.

Brown, who once voiced, "As long as I'm here, a piece of him lives with me," utilizing Saturday's spotlight to keep Clarke present, is a testament to his character.  

"Yeah, Terrence was like my little bro," the seven-year veteran stated after the Dunk Contest. "Definitely a Boston connection. I wanted to have a purpose in everything that I was doing. I wanted everything to have a message behind it, and I think that's what I did tonight."

And while he'll take it day-by-day when considering whether to participate next year, if Brown, who considers himself the NBA's best in-game dunker, a sentiment many co-sign, decides to do it, he has a target in mind for trying to put on a poster.

"Whoever is the tallest," started the three-time All-Star. "Wemby (Victor Wembanyama) would be great."

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Doesn't Win Dunk Contest but Delivers Most Poignant Moment

Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

Jayson Tatum's Approach vs. Nets Tale of Two Halves and Steadfast Commitment

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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