Look Out! Green in Dunk Contest, George to Compete in 3-point Challenge

Gerald Green in the dunk contest? Yes, please!

The high-flying forward is heading back to the All-Star game to take part in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend Feb. 15-17. Pacers fans have seen Gerald Green put his head above the rim numerous times this season. Dunk after dunk is saved in the team’s archive for the end of the year highlight video. His slams are not easily forgettable.

“It’s an honor to represent the Pacers and Indiana and it’s also great to be trying to win it not only again, but this time in my hometown of Houston,” said Green. “I think it’s exciting for the Pacers that this is another way to recognize our team and the year we’re having.”

Related: Green Double Alley-Oops

For the first time, the night is a contest between the Eastern and Western Conference. The highest scoring player from either conference will face-off in the second round to determine the winner.

Green becomes the seventh Pacers player to represent the team in the dunk contest, joining Terrence Stansbury, Kenny Williams, Antonio Davis, Jonathan Bender, Paul George and 2004 Slam Dunk Contest Winner Fred Jones.

Green will compete against five other contestants: Terrence Ross (Toronto Raptors), James White (New York Knicks), Jeremy Evans (Utah Jazz), Eric Bledsoe (Los Angeles Clippers), and Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets).

Paul George, who last year finished third in the dunk contest and this year was selected to his first ever All-Star game, will participate in the three-point shootout earlier Saturday night. In his third season, George has emerged as one of the bright young stars in the league. He’s the first and only player from his draft class to be an All-Star.

George is shooting 39 percent from behind the arc (108-for-279). In home games, he’s shooting an impressive 48 percent. Reggie Miller and Danny Granger previously entered the three-point shooting contest.

“I’m looking forward to it a lot,” George told Pacers.com. “This, I know, is all on me if I do well or not.”

George will be challenged by Ryan Anderson (New Orleans Hornets), Matt Bonner (San Antonio Spurs), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Steve Novak (New York Knicks).

Pacers Sports & Entertainment will be represented each night at All-Star Weekend. Indiana Fever star and WNBA Champion Tamika Catchings will play in Friday’s Celebrity with the likes of Usain Bolt, Kevin Hart, and Trey Songz. Catchings will also be part of the Eastern Conference team for the Shooting Skills Challenge Saturday night. Both the three-point shootout and dunk contest are on Saturday and Paul George will play in the All-Star game on Sunday.

George Hill voiced his displeasure with me Thursday night after he was informed of the announcements. He wanted the franchise to be part of the shooting skills challenge, which used to be a battle of organizations with a current NBA talent, former player in the organization and a WNBA star. George would like to be on a team with Reggie Miller and Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings.