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Report: Magic forward Aaron Gordon to compete in dunk contest

Aaron Gordon

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 27: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic gets introduced before the game against the Miami Heat on January 27, 2020 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

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:

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.