Report: Obi Toppin expected to participate in dunk contest

New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) battles for position with Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24). Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Knicks rookie Obi Toppin expected to participate in Slam Dunk Contest

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/26/21

New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin is expected to participate in the Slam Dunk contest at this year's All-Star Game in Atlanta, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin is expected to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk contest on All-Star Sunday night in Atlanta, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2021

The 22-year-old is the first known player expected to take part in the dunk contest. He was among the fan favorites to participate in the event, given his athleticism and high-flying ability.

Obi's bounce is really different pic.twitter.com/z0EUrizFBS
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 25, 2021

Toppin has played limited minutes this season and is averaging 4.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game while shooting 48.9% from the field and 30% from deep.

He was selected eighth overall by the Knicks in the 2020 draft out of Dayton.

Past dunk contest winners include Derrick Jones Jr., Hamidou Diallo, Donovan Mitchell, Glenn Robinson III and Zach LaVine.

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90.

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