Multiple reports indicate that Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine will defend his NBA Slam Dunk Championship from last year during the NBA Dunk Contest over All-Star weekend.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, LaVine will go up against Detroit center Andre Drummond, Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton, and Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon in this year’s dunk contest in Toronto.
Sports Illustrated notes that LaVine, who was 19 last year, became the youngest player to win the contest since an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant won it in 1997.
2016 Dunk Contest will feature Zach LaVine, Will Barton, Andre Drummond & Aaron Gordon. (via multiple media reports) pic.twitter.com/iLZen0EQKn
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 4, 2016
With the event being held in Toronto, there was some who thought LaVine’s teammate Andrew Wiggins may participate this year in his hometown. But earlier in the day, Wiggins explained why he doesn’t compete in dunk contests – noting that he lost one while in high school.
LaVine’s unique and emphatic dunks seemed to reinvigorate fan interest in the NBA talent contest last year. Here is a look at some of his highlights from last year.
Zach LaVine returning for the Slam Dunk competition. Can he top this? https://t.co/mMlw14ZPjb
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) February 4, 2016
The dunk contest will be held Saturday, Feb. 13 in Toronto.
