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The 2023 nba Slam Dunk Contest reportedly has its first entrant, and it’s a first-year player.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard Shaedon Sharpe has committed to participate in the marquee event of All-Star Weekend’s Saturday night.
A 6’5″ shooting guard out of Kentucky, Sharpe has appeared in 36 out of 37 games with five starts for Portland. The 19-year-old averages 7.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 19.7 minutes per game.
Throughout the first half of the nba season, Sharpe has registered some jaw-dropping slams:
Brett Usher @UsherNBA
Shaedon Sharpe has some of the craziest bounce ever. Here are ALL of his dunks so far this season: pic.twitter.com/xrbed0tVaN
Interest in the nba Dunk Contest has waned in recent years due to a lack of star power. Each of the last four winners has never been selected to an All-Star Game in their respective careers.
While Sharpe may not be a household name, he undoubtedly has the athleticism to draw attention and possibly steal the show in Salt Lake City.
The 2023 nba Dunk Contest will headline All-Star Saturday Night on Feb. 18.
