Milwaukee Bucks forward Andre Jackson Jr. has committed to the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend, sources told ESPN on Thursday.
Jackson, a 2023 NCAA champion at UConn, has emerged as a Bucks starter in his second season. He joins Chicago Bulls rookie forward Matas Buzelis and San Antonio Spurs rookie guard Stephon Castle so far in the dunk contest.
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Jackson made highlight reels last season for his leaping ability on putback dunk attempts. He had his teammates jumping off the bench following a dunk in December against the Nets and then his head went above the rim on a missed putback opportunity last March against the Kings.
Milwaukee is 23-16 when Jackson plays and 20-11 since he joined the starting lineup, adding youthful energy to a veteran team. Per ESPN research, Jackson has held opponents to 42% as the contesting defender, which ranks in the top 50 league wide (min. 200 contests).
