Anfernee Simons, Cassius Stanley to enter Slam Dunk Contest

Dec 18, 2020; Indiana Pacers guard Cassius Stanley (2) slam dunks the ball in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Anfernee Simons, Cassius Stanley expected to enter Slam Dunk Contest``

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/1/21

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons and Indiana Pacers rookie Cassius Stanley are expected to enter the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest at the 2021 All-Star Game, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

They'll join New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin.

Two young players expected to join New York's Obi Toppin in the All-Star Slam Dunk competition on March 7: Portland's Anfernee Simons and Indiana's Cassius Stanley, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 28, 2021

The NBA is continuing the trend of highlighting younger players during the Slam Dunk Contest. This year's event will take place at halftime of the All-Star Game on March 7 in Atlanta.

The Trail Blazers selected Simons with the 24th pick in the 2018 draft. He's averaging 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game this season while shooting 39.4% from the field and 41.2% from deep.

Stanley was selected by the Pacers with the 54th pick in the 2020 draft. In eight games this season, he's averaging 1.1 points and 0.4 rebounds per game while shooting 28.6% from the field and 50% from deep.

Stanley has spent most of his rookie season with the G League's Fort Wayne Mad Ants, averaging 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

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