Jaylen Brown explains why he felt compelled to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest
"That's something I love to do, the art of dunking on somebody."
Many were surprised when Celtics star Jaylen Brown elected to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, but the reality is that Brown has anticipated this moment for years.
Brown, who will become the first All-Star to double dip since Victor Oladipo in 2018, said he grew up watching the contest. He feels as though the timing is right in large part because he’s in his athletic prime.
He called dunking an “art form” and said he believes he’s one of the best to ever do it when it comes to dunking on someone in a game.
“That’s something I love to do, the art of dunking on somebody,” Brown said. “Taking it into the dunk contest is just furthering that art form a little bit.”
Brown, speaking Saturday on NBA TV, said he doesn’t have a specific favorite dunk throughout his career thus far. He added that some have “gotten lost in the archives.”
He appears eager to expand his repertoire and show he has some more tricks on a grand stage.
“I think this is a part of the journey,” Brown said. “This is part of my legacy. At one point in my career, I thought I wanted to do it, and I think now’s a good time.”
He’ll compete against Mac McClung, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jacob Toppin on Saturday night.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com