With the Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon opting out due to injury, Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell will participate in the Slam Dunk Contest after all.
Hold the phones, Utah Jazz fans. I repeat, hold the phones.
We were all disappointed by the news that Donovan Mitchell wouldn’t be participating in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend. However, it now appears as though Mitchell will be allowed to throw down after all.
Following reports that the Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon was withdrawing from the event, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the story that Mitchell would be his replacement. The star rookie confirmed his participation during Jazz shootaround on Monday. An official announcement was made shortly thereafter.
🚨IT'S HAPPENING🚨@spidadmitchell will participate in the #VerizonSlamDunk contest during #2018AllStar Weekend.
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 5, 2018
He'll forgo the Skills Challenge to rock some rims.
>> https://t.co/SZVO6pgXCl pic.twitter.com/DHDppnMmsT
Gordon had participated in the Dunk Contest the past two years. In the end, though, he elected to bypass this year’s event due to a strained left hip flexor.
Despite the Magic big man’s absence, Mitchell joins what should nonetheless be a strong field of Slam Dunk contestants. The Indiana Pacers’ Victor Oladipo, Larry Nance Jr. of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks’ rookie Dennis Smith Jr. will vie with the former No.13 overall pick for the 2018 Dunk Contest crown.
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Mitchell was already slated to participate in both the Skills Challenge and the Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend. He has dropped out of the former in order to focus on dunking.
I previously stated that Gordon was the contestant I was least thrilled about, so Mitchell’s addition is a huge win in my eyes.
Mitchell is already an established high flyer and has clearly made his mark as a future star in the league, so his invitation to All-Star Saturday’s main event is well-earned. The fact that he’ll feature so heavily during the NBA’s mid-season celebration is an impressive accomplishment for him and some awesome recognition for the Jazz.
All-Star Saturday Night and the Slam Dunk Contest will emanate from Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 17. The event will be televised by TNT starting at 6 p.m. MT.
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