2019 NBA Dunk Contest and 3-Point Contest participants

The participants for the 2019 NBA dunk contest and the 3-point contests were announced recently. Here’s a closer look at each player who will be going for the crown in each of these events.

Perhaps the most anticipated events during the NBA All-Star weekend are the dunk contest and the 3-point contest. Both events come with a lot of buzz and you can tell how intrigued the fans are during these events each season.

The dunk contest features four young up and coming players in the NBA today, and neither of them is lacking in the athleticism department.

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While the 3-point shootout is stacked with familiar faces and players who have flat out been shooting lights out from beyond the arc this season.

Here’s a closer look at each participant in these respective contests:

Dunk Contest

Miles Bridges, Forward, Charlotte Hornets

Miles Bridges was the Hornets first round pick this past NBA Draft, and he’s flashed plenty of the bounce that he showcased in college at Michigan State. Bridges has had plenty of highlight-worthy slams this season, and he will, of course, be competing on his home court in Charlotte.

Dennis Smith Jr., Guard, New York Knicks

Dennis Smith Jr. was recently traded to the New York Knicks from the Dallas Mavericks in what was a blockbuster deal. Smith Jr. is a young and athletic point guard that has flashed an ability to stuff the stat sheet on any given night. Knicks fans have to be excited about his upside and we’re just as excited to see what he can do under the bright lights in the dunk contest.

John Collins, Forward, Atlanta Hawks

John Collins has taken a major step forward in his game from his rookie season last year. He has been a force with averages of 19.4 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 58 percent from the field. Hawks fans have to be looking forward to the pairing of Collins and Trae Young for years to come. Collins will try to win one for the “big men” that generally struggle to gain much momentum in the dunk contests over the last few years.

Hamidou Diallo, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

The most unheralded member of the group, Hamidou Diallo rounds out the dunk contest field. Although he hasn’t played much with the Thunder to this point, he has flashed his intriguing bounce on the hardwood. Diallo was placed in the dunk contest for a reason, and we’re sure he’ll put on a great show, like the rest of the participants.

3-point Contest

Devin Booker, Guard, Phoenix Suns

The sharpshooting high scoring guard will be defending his 3-point contest crown after winning it last season in Los Angeles. Booker also set a record in the contest last season by scoring 28 points in the final round.

Stephen Curry, Guard, Golden State Warriors

There isn’t much left to say about perhaps the greatest shooter in NBA history. Curry has competed in the contest numerous times and won it back in the 2014-15 season. Curry will be competing in front of his hometown in Charlotte, and against his brother which could put an extra chip on his shoulder to try and win this one.

Dirk Nowitzki, Forward, Dallas Mavericks

The man. The myth. The legend. One of the best shooters and players in NBA history will compete in the 3-point for perhaps the last time in his illustrious career. Nowitzki won the contest back in 2006, and it would be awesome to see him do it again this time around. He’ll be facing some stiff competition of course.

Kemba Walker, Guard, Charlotte Hornets

Kemba Walker is statistically having the best season of his career, including draining a career-high 3.2 3-pointers per game. Walker will be trying to take home the crown on his home court.

Joe Harris, Guard, Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have been one of the big surprises this season in the NBA, and Harris has played a big role in that with his excellent shooting. Harris is averaging career highs across the board, including a solid 45 percent from beyond the arc.

Danny Green, Guard, Toronto Raptors

Danny Green has been a relatively solid 3-point shooter over the course of his career, and he has continued that for the Raptors this season. Green has shot over 40 percent from the 3-point line in five different NBA seasons.

Damian Lillard, Guard, Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard is a bonafide scorer and has been regarded among the best point guards in the league for years now. Shooting 3-pointers is second nature to him.

Seth Curry, Guard, Portland Trail Blazers

Seth Curry currently leads the league in 3-point shooting percentage by a wide margin. Cur, of course, course be competing against his brother, in his hometown of Charlotte, and against his teammate Damian Lillard. A lot of incentives to try to win this thing.

Next: Every NBA team's greatest shooter of all time

Khris Middleton, Forward, Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks currently have the best record in the NBA, and first time All-Star Khris Middleton is one of the main reasons why this is the case. Middleton has been a solid shooter for years now, and will finally get a chance to showcase that ability in this contest.

Buddy Hield, Guard, Sacramento Kings

Buddy Hield has been having a tremendous season for the up and coming Sacramento Kings, and has quieted down a large part of the critics that hampered him early on in his career. Hield is shooting a career high 45 percent from beyond the arc this season, and will look to make some noise in this contest.