Zach LaVine-Aaron Gordon II?
Unfortunately not.
After their epic showing in last year’s dunk contest, only Gordon will return this year.
Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders:
Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine won't compete in the 2017 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, sources told Basketball Insiders.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 25, 2017
Chris Haynes of ESPN:
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon will compete in 2017 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in New Orleans, league sources tell ESPN. Runner-up last year.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 25, 2017
Of players to win back-to-back dunk-contest titles – Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson, Nate Robinson and LaVine – Richardson is the only one try for a third straight. It’s a bummer LaVine won’t, but he has already provided an incredible amount of All-Star Saturday night entertainment. If the Timberwolves guard is ready to move on, we have no choice but to accept that.
Gordon now becomes heavily favored to win this year’s dunk contest. He’s trying to transition from great dunker to great player, but he’s going through a rough year playing out of position with the Magic. So, why not get some great dunks in?
His competitors are slowly coming into focus. Pacers forward Glenn Robinson III will participate. Suns undrafted rookie Derrick Jones Jr. was reportedly invited, and Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown declined the league’s invitation.
Haynes:
Phoenix Suns high-flying rookie Derrick Jones received an invitation to enter Slam Dunk Contest, league sources tell ESPN. He's considering.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 25, 2017
Boston Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) in a statement to ESPN says he will not compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. pic.twitter.com/JVllMdizAQ
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 25, 2017
Barring a surprising late development, this field will lack stature behind Gordon. LaVine will be missed. Let’s reminisce:
