Aaron Gordon returning to the Dunk Contest to represent Orlando Magic

Aaron Gordon is returning to the Slam Dunk Contest to try to take the crown. There will be no Zach LaVine and Gordon will be the favorite in New Orleans.

One year ago, Aaron Gordon was something of an unknown entering the dunk contest in Toronto. Sure, everyone knew he was the super athletic forward from Arizona. But his Orlando Magic were struggling at the time and Gordon did not make much of an impact in games.

As Gordon strutted onto the floor wearing a rip-away suit and twirling a cane, no one knew what they were in store for.

What followed in the final 45 minutes or so of NBA All-Star Saturday Night was one of the best dunk contests in history and perhaps the best one-on-one dunk contest battle since the legendary 1988 battle between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins.

Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine tore the house down.

Now everyone will get to see what Aaron Gordon does for an encore.

Gordon will officially participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, looking to gain a crown many thought he earned and deserved in last year’s competition. He will not compete against LaVine in that much-anticipated rematch (maybe there will be a WWE-style run in? fans can only dream).

Introducing your 2017 Verizon Slam Dunk participants! #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/5EOzdhMnuv

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 3, 2017

The LA Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, Indiana Pacers’ Glenn Robinson III and Phoenix Suns’ Derrick Jones Jr.

Gordon is the clear favorite among those especially after the tricks he pulled off last year. He will face some big expectations.

Gordon spoke to the Inside the NBA crew during the pregame shot tonight before the broadcast.

2016 Verizon Slam Dunk Contest Runner-Up, @Double0AG joined the NBA TNT Tipoff Show!

"I really don't care who else is in the competition." pic.twitter.com/2T2D3YULAH

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 3, 2017

Gordon’s second appearance marks the ninth time a Magic player has appeared in the Slam Dunk Contest. He and Dwight Howard are the only two players to compete in the Dunk Contest multiple times and in consecutive years.

Gordon will be the lone Magic representative at All-Star Weekend in New Orleans later on this month. But he will certainly be one of the players favored to take home some hardware. The competition will be tough — watch Derrick Jones Jr. despite his lack of playing time so far this year.

It should be a fun Saturday night in New Orleans.