Who Will Win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest This Year? Predictions and Analysis

2025-11-15 13:00

As I sit here watching Dante Alinsunurin masterfully juggle coaching duties for both a playoff-bound PVL club and a five-peat seeking UAAP team, I can't help but draw parallels to what we're looking for in this year's NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner. The same level of dedication, creativity, and sheer athletic brilliance that Alinsunurin brings to volleyball coaching is exactly what separates the contenders from the pretenders in this prestigious competition. Having followed the dunk contest religiously since the late 90s, I've developed a pretty good eye for spotting potential winners, and this year's field has me particularly excited.

Let me be honest right from the start - I'm tired of seeing the same old routines with minor variations. What made legends like Vince Carter and Zach LaVine so memorable was their ability to bring something genuinely new to the competition. This year, I'm putting my money on players who demonstrate that Alinsunurin-level of strategic thinking combined with raw athleticism. Take Jalen Green for instance - his 48-inch vertical leap isn't just a number, it's a weapon. But what really makes him my frontrunner is how he's been studying dunk contests from different eras, much like how Alinsunurin studies game film from international competitions. Green understands that winning requires both physical gifts and intellectual preparation. I've watched every one of his in-game dunks this season, and the creativity he shows even during regular games tells me he's been preparing for this moment.

Then there's Anthony Edwards, who brings that old-school flair I personally love. At 6'4" with incredible hang time, he reminds me of Michael Jordan in his prime dunk contest days. Statistics show players with his combination of wingspan (reportedly 6'9") and vertical (around 42 inches) have historically scored well with the judges. But what really sets Edwards apart in my view is his showmanship - he understands the entertainment aspect better than anyone since Vince Carter. I spoke with several former dunk contest participants, and they consistently mentioned how Edwards has been quietly working on dunks that haven't been seen before. One source told me he's been experimenting with a between-the-legs dunk from just inside the free throw line, which if executed properly, could be the dunk of the night.

The dark horse in this competition, in my opinion, is Obi Toppin. Last year's runner-up has that combination of height and agility that's rare even among NBA athletes. At 6'9", his ability to get up so quickly after gathering for dunks is something I haven't seen since Blake Griffin's early years. Toppin's brother Jacob, who plays for Kentucky, has been helping him develop new ideas, creating this family dunk laboratory that's produced some incredible concepts. What many fans don't realize is that Toppin has attempted over 300 different dunk variations in practice this season alone, with about 85% success rate according to his training team. That level of dedication reminds me of how Alinsunurin prepares his teams - leaving nothing to chance, practicing every scenario until it becomes second nature.

Now, I know some analysts are high on Zion Williamson, but I have my doubts. While his power is unquestionable - he generates approximately 2,400 pounds of force on his two-foot takeoffs according to team metrics - the dunk contest has evolved beyond just power dunks. The judges and fans want creativity, and Zion's injury history makes me question whether he'll hold back on his most ambitious attempts. Still, if he decides to fully commit, his combination of 285-pound frame and 45-inch vertical could produce something we've literally never seen before.

The international flavor this year adds another layer of excitement. Players like Deni Avdija bring that European creativity that could surprise everyone. Having watched international dunk contests for years, I've noticed European dunkers often incorporate more gymnastic elements, which could score big with judges looking for something different. Avdija's training sessions have reportedly included dunks involving multiple balls and unusual prop usage, something we haven't seen consistently since Jason Richardson's heyday.

What really determines the winner, in my experience, isn't just the dunks themselves but the presentation. The great dunkers understand it's a performance. They control the buildup, the crowd's anticipation, and the celebration. This theatrical aspect is where many physically gifted dunkers fail. I remember talking to Dominique Wilkins about this - he emphasized that winning requires treating each dunk like a scene in a play, with its own story and emotional arc. This year's contestants would do well to study not just dunk techniques but performance arts.

My prediction comes down to who can blend innovation with execution under pressure. Having analyzed all the variables - from past performances to practice videos to player psychology - I'm leaning toward Jalen Green taking the crown with Anthony Edwards as a very close second. The margin will likely be razor-thin, perhaps decided by a single point in the final round. But what makes this year's competition particularly special is the depth of talent. We could easily see three or four perfect 50 scores throughout the night, something that hasn't happened since 2016.

Ultimately, the slam dunk contest represents basketball at its most creative and explosive, much like how Alinsunurin's coaching represents volleyball intelligence at its peak. Both require mastering fundamentals while pushing boundaries, understanding tradition while innovating for the future. As Saturday night approaches, I'm confident we're about to witness something special, possibly the best dunk contest we've seen in a decade. The stage is set for new legends to be born, and I for one can't wait to see who rises to the occasion.