Ben McLemore has officially booked his ticket to All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. After being left out of the pool of rookies and sophomores set to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge, McLemore is among six players who will compete in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest.
Cowbell Kingdom’s James Ham reported last night of strong indications that McLemore would be included in this year’s dunk contest field. In addition to McLemore, Toronto guard Terrence Ross confirmed to CK following Raptors practice on Wednesday that he would be defending his 2013 title.
McLemore is the only rookie among a star-studded group of dunkers. Along with McLemore and Ross, All-Stars Paul George, Damian Lillard and John Wall have accepted invitations to participate in the event. Warriors second-year wing Harrison Barnes will also compete in this year’s contest.
The first-year guard becomes the first Kings player to participate in the annual dunk contest since Gerald Wallace did so in 2002. So far, McLemore has attempted and made 21-of-30 dunks this season.
The Dunk Contest will be held Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Smoothie King Center as part of the NBA’s annual All-Star Weekend festivities.
WATCH: A sampling of Ben McLemore’s dunk repertoire
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