Dunk Contest Gains Star Power, John Wall to Participate

Terrence Ross is going to have a much tougher time defending his title. His competition is much tougher this year as the NBA was successful at getting star caliber players to join the festivities.

Rumors began swirling that John Wall would be participating, and those rumors were confirmed when the list of participants in next week’s contest were announced today. Wall, who will also be in New Orleans for the actual All-Star game, is joined by fellow all stars Damian Lillard and Paul George in the contest, certain to make the event much more exciting than it has been in past years.

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It’s a basic formula. Last year’s dunk contest, however impressive the feats of physical defiance may have been, wasn’t as entertaining because none of the participants are exactly household names. Now there are three all-stars in the event, the defending champion, as well as Harrison Barnes and Ben McLemore — both popular youngsters from the past two drafts.

The event hasn’t drawn the appeal or attention it deserves since Blake Griffin jumped over a car three years ago. This year’s event looks to be much more exciting, it’s amazing how much magic a little “star” dust can create.