Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon, Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo, and Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. have accepted invitations to the 2018 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest, according to Oliver Maroney of UpRoxx Sports.
The three players will join Dennis Smith Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks in the event. Smith was the first to accept the invitation, as reported by Shams Charania of The Vertical.
Gordon will attempt to make the third time a charm, after an underwhelming showing last year and a narrow loss to eventual two-time champion Zach LaVine in a showdown for the ages.
Oladipo was the owner of the Dunk of the Year last season after crucifying Dwight Howard with a baseline two-handed sledgehammer to take home the honors for the 2016-17 season.
Nance was a close second for the award, after burying now-teammate Brook Lopez under the basket with a ferocious throwdown of his own — but most importantly, he has a family reputation to defend, as his father, Larry Nance Sr. was the first-ever winner of the competition, back in 1984.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4JbpdJjWk8
All three participants will have to test their mettle against one of the most explosive guards of this rookie class in Smith, who has already impressed teammates and opponents with his quick lift-off and flair for sky-walking over defenders.
Hopefully this field measures up to the increased expectations of a 2016 Slam Dunk Contest that brought the crowd present and viewers at home on their feet with a mano-a-mano dunk off between Gordon and LaVine.
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