LA Clippers' DeAndre Jordan to Appear in Verizon Slam Dunk Contest

On Thursday nighhttps://twitter.com/espnstatsinfo/status/827335147439738880t, the NBA announced the participants for the Verizon Slam Dunk Contest. Among them is Clippers’ center and first time All-Star, DeAndre Jordan.

On Feb. 18, DeAndre Jordan will take center stage for the Slam Dunk Contest, the final event of All-Star Saturday. The Clippers’ big man will face off against Aaron Gordon, Glenn Robinson III and Derrick Jones Jr.

DJ has always been a proponent of participating in the contest, but always had the stipulation that he would only enter once he earned an All-Star appearance. Last Thursday, it was announced he had been named a reserve after receiving votes from his peers and coaches around the league.

The Competitors

Two of the competitors, Glenn Robinson III and Derrick Jones Jr., are not household names. However, the main threat to DJ bringing home the trophy will be Aaron Gordon. Gordon finished 2nd last season to defending champ, Zach Lavine, but the argument can be made that he should have won.

It’s difficult to imagine what tricks Gordon could have up his sleeve this year, after his incredible dunk over the Magic mascot last year. To his favor though, DeAndre definitely has the most in game experience and is also the most well known name in the contest. Expect DJ to bring some power.

If DJ can work to capitalize on his incredible combination of size and leaping ability, come Feb. 18th, he can hoist the trophy and join his fellow Clippers’ Dunk Contest champions, Brent Barry and Blake Griffin.