Inside The Celtics

Jrue Holiday Commends Jaylen Brown for Joining Dunk Contest

Jaylen Brown is the first All-Star to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest since 2017.

Bobby Krivitsky

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
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Saturday night in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jaylen Brown will become the first All-Star to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest since 2017.

He'll compete against the competitions reigning champion, Mac McClung, Jamie Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat, and Jacob Toppin.

One contestant, McClung, plays for the Osceola Magic in the G League, and another, Toppin, has spent more time with the Westchester Knicks than their parent club.

It reflects how NBA stars, many of whom suit up the next night in the league's marquee exhibition game, would prefer to relax, recharge, and enjoy their evening.

And between the difficulty in coming up with never-before-seen dunks and a considerable amount of the league's highest profile players putting more stock in the downsides of participating than the positives, the event doesn't have the same cache it did when Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins squared off in it, or Vince Carter dazzled spectators in 2000.

"I think I'm in my athletic prime. And I think it will be fun," stated Brown after the Boston Celtics 133-129 win over the Washington Wizards last Friday.

His decision has earned praise from retired players like three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams and active ones like teammate Jrue Holiday.

"I told him if he stinks, then I'mma repost it; how embarrassed I'mma be," joked the two-time All-Star. "But I'm excited for him. Obviously, I know that, especially with the Dunk Contest, especially the big-name guys, All-Star break is a time to rest and regain your mental strength. But I think to go out there and do the dunk contest is big. And again, a big name like JB, who's super athletic, and you see the dunks he does in-game, I'm excited to see him."

Don't be surprised if Brown involves Jayson Tatum in at least one of his dunks. It's an idea the five-time All-Star said he's open to.

"Definitely be on the look[out] for JT to be a part of it," offered the former after that Friday night victory vs. the Wizards in what certainly appeared like foreshadowing what's to come this Saturday.

Further Reading

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

Jaylen Brown on Altercation with Duncan Robinson: 'I Bet You He Won't Do It Again'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

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

Celtics Swing Savvy Deal with 76ers for Jaden Springer

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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