In a disappointing turn of events, two-time reigning NBA Slam Dunk champion Zach LaVine will not protect his title in this year’s Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, according to Basketball Insiders’ Michael Scotto.
Zach LaVine declined 2017 Dunk Contest invite, robbing us of rematch with Aaron Gordon
LaVine reportedly won’t participate in the Slam Dunk Contest, but Aaron Gordon is set to compete.
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Despite LaVine’s refusal, last year’s runner-up Aaron Gordon has committed to competing in this year’s contest, according to ESPN.com’s Chris Haynes.
LaVine’s refusal is a shot to the Dunk Contest that has been revived since he first competed in the 2014-15 season. It also robs fans of the must-see rematch between the Minnesota guard and Gordon.
Many felt Gordon was robbed of the victory last year after LaVine was awarded a perfect 50 score for a final round dunk eerily similar to the one his opponent had just pulled off. But the Timberwolves guard won the contest after nailing a flurry of foul line dunks — one windmill and one between-the-legs.
Regardless of where you stand on last year’s results, the Timberwolves guard is one of, if not the most, athletic dunkers the NBA has to offer. After all, he started the season with a teaser, practicing a 360-dunk from the foul line.
It seems now the path to victory for Gordon has just been cleared. But who knows what LaVine may have had in store if he made his 360-dunk from the free throw line public.
The world may never know.
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