In 2016, Zach LaVine outdueled Aaron Gordon in maybe the best dunk contest ever.
Could we get rematch this year?
Oliver Maroney of the Big3:
Being told that Aaron Gordon is planning to participate in this year’s dunk contest, per league sources. Gordon initially told @ChrisBHaynes about entering this season’s dunk contest last year on his podcast.
— Oliver Maroney (@OliverMaroney) January 29, 2020
Gordon joins Lakers center Dwight Howard and Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. as revealed participants. That leaves one opening.
Will LaVine fill it?
The Bulls guard is the highly desired choice. Everyone wants to see him and Gordon battle again. All-Star Weekend is also in Chicago, and a local competitor could add flair to the event.
LaVine is reportedly more likely to compete in the dunk contest if an All-Star. Reserves will be announced tonight. LaVine has a chance, but I doubt he makes it. I wouldn’t have picked him.
Hopefully, Gordon’s dunk-contest participation pushes LaVine to compete, regardless. We all want LaVine to rise to that challenge.
A warning even I’ll have a tough time heeding: If LaVine participates, don’t let your expectations grow too high. Both players are older and probably not quite as athletic as they were a few years ago. LaVine hasn’t returned to the contest since winning. Aaron Gordon participated in 2017 and underwhelmed. The 2016 dunk contest was a special moment in time that likely won’t be recreated – even if the same stars of that event participate this year.
