NEW YORK, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Jason Richardson of Golden State headlines this year's field for the Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest to be held on All-Star Saturday in Atlanta.
Last February in Philadelphia, Richardson won the Slam Dunk Contest hours after earning MVP honors in the Rookie Challenge.
This year, he will play for the Sophomores in the Rookie Challenge and try to defend his dunk title against 2001 champion Desmond Mason and first-timers Richard Jefferson and Amare Stoudemire.
Last year, Richardson knocked off Mason, a forward with the Seattle SuperSonics, on the way to title. Jefferson is a second-year forward with New Jersey, while Stoudemire, a 20-year-old forward for the Phoenix Suns, is among the best of a talented rookie class this season.
The Slam Dunk Contest features $60,000 in prize money, with $25,000 going to the winner. Each participant is guaranteed at least $10,000.
All-Star Saturday also includes the shootout, hoop-it-up, and the skills challenge.
