Anfernee Simons, Cassius Stanley joining Obi Toppin in Slam Dunk Contest

The NBA is focusing on young talent in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest.

News dropped this week that New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin would be taking part in the Slam Dunk Contest that is set for halftime of the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.

Getting young players in the event is a great way to build up their reputations, and Toppin is reportedly being joined by two other young high-flyers.

Toppin joined by two rising names in Simons and Stanley

Anfernee Simons and Cassius Stanley will be joining Toppin as this young crop of talent looks to show off their skills in front of a national audience.

Simons was a first-round pick by the Portland Trail Blazers back in 2018 and is only 21 years old. He is averaging 8.5 points per game this season in a reserve role and now gets a shot to show off in front of the stars of the league.

Stanley is another 21-year-old getting a chance to make a name for himself. He was taken in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and has only appeared in eight games for the team this season. The former Duke Blue Devil can now prove his athleticism belongs at the NBA level on a full-time basis.

The question now turns to whether the league can land a more notable star to take place in the event. If they want to go young, Zion Williamson stands out as the most exciting option. The former No. 1 overall pick has at least said the idea hasn’t been ruled out.

Toppin, Simons, and Stanley are all being given a great opportunity. But adding a little bit more star power to the event would be exciting for everyone involved.