Jazz's Mitchell 'would love' to compete in dunk contest
Donovan Mitchell has some dunks he "would love" to show off on the big stage.
The Utah Jazz rookie hasn't been invited to the Slam Dunk contest, but he'd love to participate.
"I'll do it," he told Michael Rapaport. "But if you've seen Aaron Gordon, Derrick Jones (Jr.), and all those guys, I'm not gonna win it. But I'll do it. ...
"I keep telling people this joke. I grew up with Derrick Jones, like around him for a long time. I've probably done 13 dunk contests in my life. I lost 12 to Derrick Jones.
"So I would definitely do it. I got some dunks that I think would be cool."
Mitchell, 21, leads all rookies with 18.2 points per game and ranks second in steals (1.5) and sixth in assists (3.4). The 6-foot-3 high-flyer is a lock for the Rising Stars challenge at February's All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, and said he'd surprise people in the dunking spectacle.
Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) can dunk. I compiled some dunks of his for further proof. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/KqyKCI85aP
— Oliver Maroney (@OMaroneyNBA) December 27, 2017
Other possible participants include defending champion Glenn Robinson III, Jones, and Gordon, who said he'd give it a go for the third time if invited. Another rookie in Dennis Smith Jr. has garnered attention for his rim-rockers and should be on the shortlist of invitees.
- With h/t to SLAM