Gordon, Oladipo headline 2018 Dunk Contest lineup
This year's Slam Dunk Contest field could be one of the best ever.
Aaron Gordon of the Magic, Victor Oladipo of the Pacers, rookie Dennis Smith Jr. of the Mavericks, and Larry Nance Jr. of the Lakers will vie for the dunk crown over All-Star weekend on Feb. 17 at Staples Center.
The #VerizonDUNK field at #StateFarmSaturday #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/rmCMBHsSlz
— NBA (@NBA) February 2, 2018
Glenn Robinson III was the victor in New Orleans, succeeding Zach LaVine, who won in 2015 and 2016.
Related: Paul George, Kyle Lowry highlight field for Three-Point Contest
This will be Gordon's third straight appearance in the Dunk Contest. After failing to replicate his legendary 2016 performance last year, the Orlando Magic forward stated he wouldn't try for a third time, making his inclusion all the more surprising.
Related: Gordon has 'unfinished business' at his final Slam Dunk Contest
Oladipo - who will come off the bench for Team LeBron in the All-Star Game on Feb. 18 - took part in the 2015 Dunk Contest at Barclays Center. He's perhaps best remembered for his 360-reverse jam.
It'll be the first appearance for Nance Jr. and Smith Jr., who both previously denied they would compete.
Take cover! @Larrydn22 is ready for #VerizonDunk at #NBAAllStar 🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/gz1YCwCxDW
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 2, 2018
In a world... where one man strikes fear into rims across the association...
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 2, 2018
DENNIS SMITH JR. stars in...
The 2018 #VerizonDunk contest! #DSJinLA #MFFL @Dennis1SmithJr pic.twitter.com/LZ3VuYRIah