Dec 26, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard
Victor Oladipo(5) dunks over Cleveland Cavaliers forward
LeBron James(23) during the second half at Amway Center. Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 98-89. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Update (28/01, 3:22 p.m.):
Oladipo and Elfrid Payton have been named to the Rising Stars Challenge game, it was announced Wednesday. Both players will play on Team USA against a World roster. The players picked for the game are rookies and second year players in the NBA.
Original:
Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo will compete in the 2015 Dunk Contest as part of the NBA’s All-Star festivities.
Oladipo is one of four contestants. The 22-year-old will be joined by the Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine and Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee.
Oladipo has had a number of highlight dunks this season including this impressive 360 slam.
Last year’s dunk contest was a team matchup, which wasn’t well received by fans. The defending solo champion is Terrance Ross of the Toronto Raptors who has said he doesn’t want to participate in the event again.
Oladipo missed the first nine games of the regular season due to a facial fracture suffered in practice. He had previously dealt with a strained MCL in his right knee.
In 39 games this season, Oladipo is averaging 16.5 points per game (up from his 13.5 PPG in his rookie year) and shooting 46 per cent from the floor.
For a collection of Oladipo dunks click here.
The Dunk Contest takes place on Feb. 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET as the headline event of Saturday’s All-Star festivities.