Rating Jalen Green's performance at the Slam Dunk Contest

For many Houston Rockets fans, the dunk contest was an opportunity for the NBA landscape to see why Jalen Green was taken second overall in the 2021 draft.

NBA insider Shams Charania was the first to announce that Green had entered the dunk contest weeks before the event via Twitter.

Competing alongside Green were newcomers such as Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic, Juan Toscano-Anderson of the Golden State Warriors, and 2021 runner-up Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks. He came into the competition as the favorite at +180 and gained popularity with his athleticism in his rookie season.

As Green prepared to make his dunk contest debut TNT's broadcast booth quickly noticed an iPhone wrapped around his neck featuring an NFT. Rockets fans knew he wanted to make a statement after his performance in the Rising Stars Game the previous night which he scored 20 points.

Jalen Green's First Round

The confidence of the 20-year old may have derailed his performance because he missed his first six attempts which only netted him 38 points in the first round. His last attempt was a pretty standard windmill dunk which he could have done earlier but opted to go beyond his limits

Jalen Green's Second Round

In the second round, Green took three attempts to complete his dunk and by the end of it he was disappointed with himself. However, he earned 45 points which were added to his previous 38 points.

Unfortunately, Green's combined 83 points were not enough for him to earn a spot in the championship round resulting in elimination.

Many suggest had he played it safe then he could have won the contest rather than having slipped it away.

Final Grade: D+