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Rockets fans who can’t get enough of Jalen Green’s on-court acrobatics will get an extra chance to see him this year when he competes in the 2022 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest later this month.
Bleacher Report recently released the slate of probable competitors and Green is among those who will showcase their talents during the Feb. 19 contest in Cleveland, Ohio, that is part of NBA All-Star Weekend.
The first-year guard for the Rockets was the second pick of the 2021 NBA Draft. He will join a line-up featuring Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic, Juan Toscano-Anderson of the Golden State Warriors and Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks. Toppin was the runner-up in last year’s competition.
Green, just 19, has had several occasions to show his high-flying potential this season, and Bleacher Report indicated he was chosen for his sheer athleticism.
The Rockets haven’t had a representative in the Slam Dunk Contest since Chase Budinger participated in 2010, USA Today reported. Other Houston players who have shown off their talents at the break include Steve Francis (2000 and 2002), Kenny Smith (1991 and 1993) and Ralph Sampson (1984). The best of those, in terms of final results, was Francis, who placed second behind Vince Carter in 2000.