Juan Toscano-Anderson will compete in this year’s NBA Slam Dunk Contest, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Toscano-Anderson, an Oakland native, is in his third year with the Warriors after going undrafted in 2015. Between then and now, he played professionally in Mexico and Venezuela.
Toscano-Anderson’s unconventional path took him back home to the Bay, where he’s carved out a role for himself with the Warriors. His energy off the bench and ability to pay multiple positions as needed has been incredibly valuable for Steve Kerr’s group. Most recently, he played backup center in GSW’s win over Houston, recording 10 points, two assists, two steals and a block in 20 minutes.
It will be Toscano-Anderson’s first Slam Dunk Contest. The 6-foot-6 forward will compete against Rockets rookie Jalen Green, Magic guard Cole Anthony and Knicks forward Obi Toppin. Toppin lost in last year’s Dunk Contest in the final round to guard Anfernee Simons.
Toscano-Anderson is a high-flier, but may project to be more of an in-game dunker than a showman. Most of his flashy dunks come on putbacks or drop jaws with power — not style. He was nominated for FIBA Dunk of the Decade for a putback jam in international play.
More recently, Toscano-Anderson posterized center JaVale McGee, bouncing over the seven-footer and flushing with one hand.
The Warriors will be well-represented at All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, which starts on Friday, Feb. 18. Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins were both named All-Star Game starters for the Western Conference, and it’s possible Draymond Green and Klay Thompson join them as reserves.