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Elite rim-rattlers: Test your knowledge of these Slam Dunk Contest pioneers

JEFF HAYNES / AFP / Getty

Saturday's Slam Dunk Contest will give four young NBA players a chance to cement their place in history among some of the league's all-time legends.

NBA greats like Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins first paved the way for the event's popularity with epic duels back in the day, creating an allure around squaring off in the competition that persists today.

Although the quality of the contest has wavered at times over the years, a renaissance of sorts has occurred over the last several seasons with the league's young crop of elite dunkers pushing the boundaries of creativity and physical limitations. This year's participants - Larry Nance Jr., Dennis Smith Jr., Donovan Mitchell, and Victor Oladipo - will attempt to build on that momentum by putting on a show Saturday night.

Before fans flock to the Staples Center for the contest, see how much you know about the event's illustrious history here:

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