With All-Star weekend approaching, the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest lineup is now set. This event tends to disappoint many fans in most years, so this year's participants may not be the most intriguing for viewers. However, you cannot deny each player's talent.
With two-time champion Mac McClung set to headline the event in San Francisco, many wonder if anyone could dethrone the unorthodox dunker. Chicago Bulls' Matas Buzelis, Milwaukee Bucks' Andre Jackson Jr., and San Antonio Spurs' rookie Stephon Castle make up the group for 2025.
Each player adds their own unique style to the dunk contest.
Buzelis stands out as the "rim-rocker," surprising everyone with impressive bounce for a player of his size. He is no stranger to dunk contests, having previously competed in the 2023 McDonald's Jam Fest and finishing second. Even though a big man has only won the dunk contest once in the last ten years (Obi Toppin in 2022), Buzelis has what it takes to turn back the clock.
Andre Jackson Jr. may be the biggest underdog in the competition due to his limited number of dunks in 2025, which might lead some to question his eligibility for the dunk contest. His leaping ability, however, is undeniable, as Jackson Jr. consistently manages to get his head well above the rim with every dunk. If he wins, it will likely be because he leaves Kenny Smith in shock with his incredible vertical leaps.
Castle's off-the-charts athleticism will win him the contest
Finally, the Spurs rookie guard will be a contender to challenge McClung. Castle has established himself as one of the NBA's top rookies in 2025, and his highlight reel at the end of the season will be jaw-dropping. After being selected to participate in the slam dunk contest, Castle becomes just the fourth Spurs player in history to compete in the event. The last Spurs player to participate was Cadillac Williams in 1988.
When you dig deep, you might conclude that Castle has the sneakiest chance of them all to take home 2025's dunk crown.
Rookie Stephon Castle has agreed to do the Dunk Contest this season, per @ShamsCharania 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/1qocA2D7o3
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 20, 2025
Castle, 29 dunks this season, has a similar style to McClung at the rim. McClung may have met his match, as Castle's exceptional leaping ability and impressive hang time pose a significant challenge.
At times this season, Castle has been seen floating in the air longer than most players do when dunking. In other instances, he demonstrates his power by slamming the ball home while taking it behind his head and then bringing it back in front of him for a powerful slam.
The rookie guard has also shown moments of executing some of the most impressive put-backs from a guard, smashing it down with authority. Castle has the variety of dunks you want to see in a first-time participant.
During the contest, his body control will allow him to do all the twists and tweaks in mid-air that will attack higher scores from judges. Among the three challengers to McClung, Castle may have the best chance to jump over a player or object, which is something judges see year after year but still seem to enjoy.
How great would it be to see Castle get some assistance from Victor Wembanyama during the contest? This could be one of the season's best moments for the Spurs. Wemby himself is set up for a busy All-Star weekend.
Lastly, Castle's mentality plays a crucial role that could turn the odds in his favor. His quiet yet deadly demeanor gives him the killer instinct to defy his doubters. He has the fourth-best odds to win the contest at +500, which is standard across the NBA. The Spurs and anyone affiliated with the franchise continue to be overlooked.
Castle is turning into another young gem for the Spurs and has his whole future ahead of him.
At the 2025 dunk contest, Steph can defy the odds. He could be the proper contender to challenge the favorite, McClung, and solidify his legacy among the other big names who have won a slam dunk crown.