New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin will be among the three participants in this year's AT&T Slam Dunk Contest. The 23-year old is definitely not going to waste the opportunity to make a name for himself under the bright lights of the All-Star Weekend.

Toppin revealed that he has been looking at past dunk contests and will try to pull off something that hasn't been done before. He is also not ruling out doing his own rendition of a classic from the past.

“I’ve been watching a lot of dunks these past couple of days,’’ the Knicks youngster said, via Marc Berman of The New York Post. “I’m going to try do stuff that hasn’t been yet in the dunk contest. I’ve seen a lot of great dunks. I might have to break out one of the old dunks that someone did. I’m definitely preparing for the time to come.’’

Obi Toppin is having a pretty underwhelming rookie campaign so far, averaging just 4.7 points and 2.5 rebounds while seeing 12 minutes of action a night for the Knicks. Thus, being in the dunk contest will be his chance to get his name out there among NBA fans. Though the dunk contest will occur during the half time show of the actual All-Star Game, this might benefit the participants more since those already tuning in to the exhibition of the NBA's elite should might as well tune in to watch the high-flying show.

Standing at 6-foot-9, the Knicks rookie definitely has the athletic tools and the mad hops to wow the audience with a nasty highlight. The former Dayton star built a reputation of being a ferocious finisher at the rim and always makes it a point to throw down a strong one whenever he gets the chance to.

But powerful slams like he usually does in-game don't necessarily translate to dunk contest success. Creativity and extra theatrics are also needed to win the hearts of the judges and the crowd, though there will be no in-person attendance due to health and safety concerns. With the way he's approaching the contest, it seems like Toppin is doing his due diligence in preparing to put on a show for the fans.