By MK Bower
FOXSportsHouston.com
HOUSTON -- Rockets rookie forward Chandler Parsons could barely contain his enthusiasm; how could anyone expect him to keep a secret?
Parsons, a Florida native and tip-dunk maven, didn't want to let the cat fully out of the bag, but his vibrancy spoke volumes. Rockets third-year forward Chase Budinger was announced on Thursday as one of four participants in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest to be held All-Star Weekend in Orlando, and Parsons all but confirmed his supporting role.
"I think it's going to be all about creativity," Parsons said. "It's going to be who puts on the biggest show, who's the funniest and who's the most entertaining because that's what it's come to these days.
"Obviously it's got to be good dunks, there's got to be athleticism. But I think the biggest key for Chase is creativity, and we've got a few tricks up our sleeve."
If Parsons' "we" didn't offer a clear indication, he added, "I'll be there."
With superstars (and past champions) like Magic center Dwight Howard and Clippers forward Blake Griffin making apparent their disinterest in participating, the NBA opted to construct a field featuring emergent yet relatively unknown über-athletes. Budinger will compete against Timberwolves rookie forward (and fellow Arizona alumnus) Derrick Williams, Pacers guard/forward Paul George, and Knicks rookie guard Iman Shumpert. At 23 years of age, Budinger is the oldest participant.
"(The NBA) went a different route of trying to get young guys to come out and (participate)," said Budinger, who is averaging 8.9 points and 3.7 rebounds this season. "I think they've got four good guys that are definitely evolving in the NBA."
Budinger will become the fourth representative of the Rockets to participate in the competition, joining Ralph Sampson (1984), Kenny Smith (1991, '93) and Steve Francis (2000, '02). As a high school senior, Budinger finished second in the 2006 McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Contest, falling to Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson.
Because he is shooting a career-best 41.4 percent on 3-pointers, it's easy to miscast Budinger as a perimeter gunner as opposed to an exceptional athlete. However, his renown at La Costa Canyon High in Carlsbad, Calif., was linked as much to his volleyball prowess as to his hard court antics. His prodigious leaping ability served him well in both endeavors, and during the lockout Budinger rekindled his love affair with volleyball.
Following practice on Thursday, Budinger refused to tip his hand regarding his dunking repertoire or strategy. He intimated that Rockets guard Courtney Lee, who owns a home in Florida from his playing days in Orlando, could lend a hand and acknowledged the possibility of a mystery teammate (mystery solved -- it's Parsons) becoming involved. Fans shouldn't expect Budinger to leap over a Kia like Griffin did last year, but he is taking dunk suggestions via his Twitter: @CBudinger.
This year's event will feature a new single-round format in which the winner will be chosen solely by fan vote, including voting via Twitter.
"I thought that was pretty cool," Budinger said. "You watch all the television series like Dancing With The Stars and a lot of that has to deal with social media and voting for people, so I thought this would be a cool little twist that the NBA has added to the dunk contest.
"You've got to get the media behind you. Right now Shumpert has a little more behind his back because he has (basketball sensation and Rockets training camp participant) Jeremy Lin helping him right now."
A contest within the contest could unfold between Budinger and Williams, who arrived in Tucson the season after Budinger declared for early entry into the NBA draft and was subsequently selected by the Pistons in the second round (44th overall). The Rockets acquired Budinger for cash and a future second-round pick on draft night.
Williams played two seasons with the Wildcats and was the second overall pick last summer. He is averaging 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds.
"That's what's cool, too, is I'm going up against another Arizona Wildcat," Budinger said. "It will be nice to see him and I know he's a very explosive player. I know he'll come out with some cool stuff as well."
Said Rockets center Jordan Hill, another former Arizona Wildcat: "I'm definitely going with Chase. Chase is my teammate now and in college (2006-09). Derrick is an opponent come (All-Star Weekend)."
As the suggestions flew at Budinger, some involving sand to represent his beach volleyball ties; others including extending an invitation to Yao Ming to combat 'Linsanity,' Budinger took the honor exactly for what it represents. He'll strive to represent the Rockets well and aim to take advantage of the void of star power in the competition.
Budinger might seem an anonymous selection, but he'll have an opportunity to alter his national profile. His teammates are convinced that he has the goods to deliver when the spotlight shines.
"Have you seen him on YouTube? He's a freak," Parsons said. "It's funny because he hasn't really had any sick dunks this year, but he's going to surprise some people because he's got dunks."
