Coming into the 2017-18 season, if you were told Aaron Gordon could be eligible for the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest and 2018 Three-Point Shootout, how much convincing would you need? The Orlando Magic star forward is surprising everyone with his hot start to the season, averaging 18 points per game, shooting 51.9 percent from three with 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 12 games played for a Magic team currently fifth in the Eastern Conference. If this keeps up, he could have a rather busy February weekend in Los Angeles.
Aaron Gordon has competed in the last two NBA Slam Dunk contests, finishing second in the stunning 2016 show but placing last in 2017 thanks to some unsuccessful prop dunks. He said shortly after his dismal performance last year that he wouldn’t participate in the upcoming contest but it appears that might have changed. For 2018, with two-time champion Zach LaVine currently sidelined with an ACL injury and defending champion Glenn Robinson III also on the mend from an injury, it could be Aaron Gordon’s to lose.
Following comes from Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s ‘The Undefeated’.
Magic forward Aaron Gordon told ESPN’s The Undefeated he would accept an invite to the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk contest if asked by the league.
Golden State Warriors rookie Jordan Bell also expressed his interest in participating.
Going to the dunk contest and winning would be a nice feather in Gordon’s cap but if his strong season continues, he could also find himself in the three-point contest and maybe sneak into the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. The east is wide open with some spots up for grabs.
