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Magic’s Aaron Gordon said he might return to dunk contest this year

Aaron Gordon

FILE - In this April 1, 2016, file photo, Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon gets a slam dunk against the Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in Milwaukee. After being known primarily for his dunks during his first two years in the NBA, Gordon is being asked to make the transition from power forward to what seems his more natural position, small forward. It will be a huge challenge as new Magic coach Frank Vogel is looking for Gordon to be a major scoring threat and shooter in the offense. (AP Photo/Darren Hauck, File)

AP

Two year’s ago, Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine faced off in what might have been the greatest dunk contest ever.

Gordon returned to the contest last year the heavy favorite, but his drone dunks fell flat (he missed all four in the second round), and he was out early.

Could Gordon return to the dunk contest when the All-Star Game returns to Los Angeles next February? He was asked that in an interview on sporttechie.com.

I think I might go back, but we’ll see how the first couple games of the season play out.

Gordon is in the final year of his rookie contract and is playing for his next payday this season, he’s got more to worry about than dunks — although raising his profile and reminding everyone how athletic he is could be a good thing. That said, he needs to show a consistent three-point shot, show he knows how to use that athleticism to be an elite defender, and, hopefully, Frank Vogel help him out by playing him more as a small-ball four than a three.

The last time the All-Star Dunk Contest was in Los Angeles, Blake Griffin won jumping over a car while a gospel choir sang. Gordon can do better than that. Hopefully, he is in.