Predicting the Toronto Raptors All-Star weekend participants

Slam Dunk Contest

OG Anunoby

Out of all the Raptors players that could feature in the Slam Dunk Contest – and there were quite a few – it was narrowed down to either Norman Powell or OG Anunoby.

In the past, Powell has been the proprietor of some ruthless dunks. At 6-foot-4, he’s shown to have some highly impressive athleticism and hops, and wouldn’t look out of place in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Powell looks set to be the full-time starter at shooting guard this season, following the departure of Danny Green. He’s had previous moments as a starter, most notably in his rookie season when he started in 24 of the 49 games he featured in.

However, it won’t be Powell that represents the Raptors in the Slam Dunk Contest. That novelty will go in the direction of third-year forward, OG Anunoby. While Powell is a great athlete, Anunoby has shown himself to be an elite athlete in spurts.

Problem is, we just haven’t seen too much of Anunoby after last season. His sophomore year – in truth – was problematic, by no fault of his own. Anunoby was relegated to the bench to accommodate the arrival of Kawhi Leonard, before a string of injuries, and some unfortunate bereavements derailed his progress.

This season will see Anunoby take on the starting role that he performed so well in during his rookie season. That gives Anunoby more of an opportunity to showcase his elite-level athleticism.

As a team, the Raptors have been one of the more successful teams represented at the Slam Dunk Contest. Housing two winners, famously Vince Carter, followed by Terrence Ross in 2013, only in a rather unpleasant format.

Ross was the last player to represent the Raptors at the Slam Dunk Contest in 2014, and hopefully OG Anunoby can follow his and Carter’s footsteps and star in this year’s contest.