Griffin To Headline NBA's Slam Dunk Contest

NEW YORK (AP) -- Blake Griffin is bringing his ferocious dunks to the slam dunk contest.

The Los Angeles Clippers rookie will join Milwaukee point guard Brandon Jennings and big men JaVale McGee of Washington and Serge Ibaka of Oklahoma City in next month's event at All-Star weekend, the NBA announced Wednesday.

Griffin's powerful slams have made him a YouTube sensation and the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year honors, and his presence brings a needed boost to what was a lackluster event last year. He will have home-court advantage in the contest at Staples Center on Feb. 19.

Each contender will be matched with a slam dunk coach. Griffin will work with two-time participant Kenny Smith, Jennings with Darryl Dawkins, Ibaka with teammate Kevin Durant and McGee with Chris Webber.

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