It's not always that the NBA Slam Dunk contest turns out as successful as the most recent one, with Derrick Jones Jr. edging out Aaron Gordon in controversial fashion. Arguably the last time we had a great one was in 2016, with the blockbuster showcase between Gordon and Zach LaVine.

One of the main recipe for a successful dunk contest is having at least two participants squaring off in a spectacular Finals showdown. Of course, having some star power into the contest helps bring in more hype to the contest as well.

If the NBA wants to repeat the success of this year's competition over to next year, here are some names we would like to see participate in the 2021 Slam Dunk Contest:

1. Aaron Gordon

This is an obvious choice. Fans are absolutely behind Aaron Gordon right now, especially after being “robbed” of the crown for arguably the second time, the first being his classic showdown with Zach LaVine in 2016.

Possessing arguably two of the top 10 dunks in the history of the contest, it's a shame that this man's name isn't on the list of winners.

The Orlando Magic forward did say that “it's a wrap” for him after the controversial loss on Saturday. And can we blame him, though? Gordon has recorded eight perfect 50's, the most in slam dunk contest history. Yet he doesn't have a single trophy to show for it.

A redemption story is nice and fans would love to see him win it eventually. And he deserves it, too. But then again, as mentioned, we can't blame him if he doesn't want to anymore.

2. Zach LaVine

LaVine didn't participate in this year's aerial showcase despite the city of Chicago hosting this year's NBA All-Star festivities. Instead, he took his talents to the 3-point contest and bowed out in the first round.

But despite having a solid performance in his lone try at the 3-point shootout, LaVine should go back to what he does best: dunking.

Going two for two in the contest, LaVine is already one of the greatest dunkers in the history of the game. There was incredible hype on the UCLA standout when he joined the contest as a rookie, and he exceeded all of that by sweeping through the competition in seemingly effortless fashion.

Of course, no one would forget his showdown with Aaron Gordon in 2016. While others argue that Gordon had the better dunks that year, fans can't ignore that LaVine turned in an all-time great performance as well.

We hope to see you doing what you do best next year, Zach.

3. Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson is another name that fans had hoped would participate in this year's competition. However, with the New Orleans Pelicans prioritizing his health following knee surgery prior to the start of the season, there was no way this year's top pick would join the fray.

Still, it's hard to ignore that Williamson will be a box office hit if he decides to join next year, assuming of course, that he is fully healthy. Fans have already seen glimpses of what he can do with the teasers he shows during pre-game shootarounds.

In fact, Williamson also showed fans a preview of what he could do at the end of the Rising Stars Challenge. Though he didn't convert on any of his breathtaking attempts, fans were still left salivating of what a Zion Williamson dunk contest would eventually look like.

During NBA All-Star weekend, Williamson made a conditional commitment to join next year's competition, granted that the Pelicans are the best team in the league.

4. Ja Morant

Another young stud that fans would like to see is Memphis Grizzlies rookie sensation Ja Morant. Morant is as much a walking – or jumping – highlight reel as Williamson is.

We have seen plenty of jaw-dropping highlights from the 6-foot-3 high-flyer, including this attempt to end Kevin Love's career. He even gave a snippet with an effortless 360-slam during the Rising Stars Challenge.

Ultimately, Morant decided to skip out on this year's competition. Prior to the dunk contest, the 2019 2nd overall NBA Draft pick said he will consider joining next year. However, after seeing the debacle that took place in this year's contest, it seems like Morant doesn't want to get involved in any kind of shenanigans.