Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green enters the Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday as the front-runner to win and the rookie did his fair share of homework to prepare for the event.
Green is the odds-on favorite to take home the trophy by most sportsbooks given his elite athleticism and leaping ability. He has thrown down a number of highlight-reel dunks this season and figures to do the same this All-Star Weekend.
The second pick will compete against Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony, New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin and Golden State Warriors guard Juan Toscano-Anderson. Green, speaking Friday ahead of the Rising Stars game, is ready for the challenge.
I watched a lot of All-Star Games, Dunk Contests and then all of them little clips that come on social media and stuff, too. There were some that I tried that I couldn’t attempt but I for sure got a lot of inspiration from watching past Dunk Contests.
Green mentioned that he once tried the infamous dunk by Aaron Gordon when he went under his legs over the Orlando Magic’s mascot. He managed to connect on it but has since never tried it again so there likely won’t be a replica of that attempt on Saturday.
Between competing in the Rising Stars game, and the Slam Dunk Contest, Green called All-Star Weekend perhaps one of the biggest and most important of his basketball career. He hopes to take home some hardware and have fun in the process.
All-Star Saturday night will tip off at 8 p.m. EST on TNT.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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