Vince Carter, Paul George name dream lineups for Slam Dunk Contest

While Carter, making his picks on "Inside the NBA" on TNT, went with a more realistic lineup comprising reigning champion Mac McClung, Shaedon Sharpe, Obi Toppin, Derrick Jones Jr., Trey Murphy III and G-Leaguer Jalen Lecque, George showed respect to last year's winner, McClung, but took it a step further by going big-name hunting.

"You gotta go with the returning champion, Mac McClung. Somebody’s got to take it [the crown] from him," George said on "Podcast P." "I think people want to see Ja [Morant] and Zion [Williamson] in it for sure. I'm gonna go Shaedon Sharpe, who has dumb, dumb bounce. I think that's a good lineup."

While breaking down his selections, George referred to the four players as "explosive jumpers" who can be "trampolining off the floor" instead of relying on props or taking flight from the free-throw line.

George added that, if McClung cannot participate, he'd gladly replace him with Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who routinely electrifies fans with his in-game dunks. 

While Morant is out for the season with a shoulder injury, the possibility of Williamson participating in the Slam Dunk Contest can't be ruled out. Last year, Williamson told Complex that he was going to put "heavy consideration" into taking part in this year's contest. 

That said, it would be unwise for fans to get their hopes up. 

As has been the case for years, the "Who should be in the Dunk Contest?" question sparks a debate among fans, who invariably set themselves up for disappointment by calling for bigger names. Yet, the stars typically skip out on the festivities in favor of unheralded players and G-Leaguers. 

Here's hoping 2024 is the year when the stars show out.