DeAndre Jordan, Aaron Gordon headline dunk contest field
After falling just short of claiming the 2016 Slam Dunk contest title, Aaron Gordon is returning to the competition with unfinished business.
The Orlando Magic forward will headline All-Star Saturday night's marquee event Feb. 18, along with Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, Indiana Pacers swingman Glenn Robinson III, and Phoenix Suns rookie Derrick Jones Jr.
Aside from Gordon, the other three entrants are all making their dunk contest debuts.
Jones' inclusion is the most surprising, as the undrafted 19-year-old has logged a grand total of 11 minutes across only three appearances for the Suns.
Jordan, a perennial league leader in dunks made, had said previously that he would participate in the competition if he was selected as an actual All-Star, and he earned that distinction last week.
Gordon was edged in last year's dunk contest by two-time defending champion Zach LaVine in Toronto, with the pair thrilling the crowd in a competition that required a tiebreaking dunk-off to complete.
HEADLINES
- Tatum-less Celtics are inspiring, Cavs are not, new anti-tanking measures
- NBA Christmas Day picks: Spurs-Thunder rematch headlines holiday card
- Former NBA 2nd-round pick Nnaji joins Baylor with immediate eligibility
- Spurs storm past Thunder for 2nd win over OKC in 10 days
- Leonard drops 41 on Rockets for highest output in 2 years