Justin James For Slam Dunk Contest
The Dunk Contest is a far more exclusive event than the Three-Point Contest. There are only ( ) participants every year and the NBA does its best to fill those spots with big names.
Justin James is certainly not a big name, but that might not be a deterrent in getting him a spot. Last season’s Dunk Contest was won by Hamidou Diallo.
James has been able to show off some of his high-flying abilities in the small amount of playing time he has received so far this season. In 177 minutes of court time, he has multiple near-miss dunks that would have been the #1 play on SportsCenter was he able to flush them.
The first came against the Brooklyn Nets in James’ first real NBA game experience. Early in the second quarter, he came off of a screen and received a pass at the top of the three-point arc and took one dribble before launching himself towards Deandre Jordan. James was fouled and missed the dunk, but it was enough to get the Brooklyn crowd to gasp.
The second miss came against the Denver Nuggets. James received a pass in the corner along the baseline, blew past Jerami Grant, and elevated up and over the outstretched arms of Mason Plumlee. His elevation proved to be a little ambitious, and he lost control as he made contact, narrowly missing another hammer.
While he doesn’t have that signature moment yet, he has certainly been close. One look at his college highlights and you can see why James should at least receive consideration for the 2020 Dunk Contest.