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We are quickly approaching the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend, and as always, the upcoming Slam Dunk Contest is generating plenty of excitement. The contest will take place on State Farm All-Star Saturday Night - although, at this point, Dwight Howard is the only confirmed participant. The Los Angeles Lakers star has previously contested in three dunk contests, and the center memorably won the 2008 edition thanks to his famed Superman dunk.
Derrick Jones Jr., Ja Morant, and Zach LaVine are the other individuals rumored to take part in the contest - although plans could change in the two weeks ahead of the contest. So, ahead of the much-anticipated Slam Dunk Contest - here we will take a look at the five players that we would like to see participate.
Also read: NBA All-Star 2020: 3 Reasons why Jimmy Butler deserved to be a starter
#5 Alex Caruso - Los Angeles Lakers
After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft, Alex Caruso's prospects of making it big in the NBA looked bleak. Nevertheless, Caruso was snapped by the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-way contract - and the guard became the first play to go directly to the NBA on that type of deal. Now in his third season, Caruso is playing a vital role as part of Frank Vogel's reserve unit, and the 25-year-old's dunking skills have been a major talking point among the Lakers fanbase.
Caruso's speed and athleticism have allowed him to pull off some of the most impressive dunks in the NBA this season, and while they may not be as frequent as some of the other members on this list - they are always worthy of the highlight reel. Among his best was a huge putback dunk against the Denver Nuggets, and the guard would be an exciting addition to the contest.
#4 Vince Carter - Atlanta Hawks
Vince Carter's only ever appearance in the Slam Dunk Contest came back in 2000, although the NBA great had a huge impact on revitalizing the contest. Just two years earlier the contest had been canceled due to its unpopularity, although the 23-year-old breathed new life into the showcase event by delivering several memorable dunks.
Many fans still argue that his 360 windmill flush is the best dunk performed at an All-Star Weekend, and while he will turn 43 later this month, the Atlanta Hawks forward remains capable of pulling off impressive dunks. With Carter set to retire at the end of the season, his participation in Chicago would be a great early sendoff - and hopefully, the NBA will give in to fan pressure and invite him to the event.
#3 Russell Westbrook - Houston Rockets
Russell Westbrook helped his former Oklahoma City teammate Hamidou Diallo win the 2019 edition of the Dunk Contest, although the 2017 MVP has never participated himself. Since entering the league in 2008, Westbrook has been lauded for his athleticism, and NBA fans have come accustomed to seeing the 31-year-old throw down a huge dunk following a quick breakaway.
Back in 2016, Westbrook stated that he hadn't participated in the contest due to his preference for dunking 'on people' - although winning the 2020 Dunk Contest would give the explosive guard yet another accolade title to go towards his case of eventually being named to the Hall-of-Fame.
#2 LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers
At this point in his career, LeBron James is probably not going to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest, although he remains the player that NBA fans would love to see take part in the event. Throughout his incredible career, James has been widely labeled as the most gifted athlete of his generation, and his physical powers show no signs of fading in his 17th season.
James has previously hinted at taking part in a future contest, and while it is unlikely that he will participate, there is still hope that he will be one day be motivated to attempt to replicate Michael Jordan - who won the contest in both 1987 and 1988.
Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers: Match Preview and Predictions - 25th January 2020
#1 Aaron Gordon - Orlando Magic
Aaron Gordon's last appearance in the Slam Dunk Contest came back in 2017 as he failed to make it past the first round. However, fans remain hopeful that the Orlando star will return to the dunk contest for another potential showdown with Zach LaVine. Back in 2016, Gordon and LaVine put on what many believe was the best contest in All-Star Weekend history, as Gordon finished as runner up despite recording three perfect dunks.
At 24, Gordon's dunking skills remain as impressive as ever for the Orlando Magic, and he hinted last summer that he would be interested in making a third and potentially final appearance in the contest. A healthy Gordon would be difficult to beat, and hopefully, we will get to see a rematch of the 2016 contest in Chicago.
Guess the Lakers players!
