The NBA Slam Dunk competition has become one of the most popular aspects of the NBA All-Star weekend with fans looking forward to seeing some of the games most explosive athletes showcase their skills in the dunk showcase. The Slam Dunk competition has gone through many different changes over the years to keep it fresh and exciting. This year’s version will feature 2016 runner-up Aaron Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, Derrick Jones Jr. and Glenn Robinson III. Here is a look at what to expect at this year’s NBA Slam Dunk contest.
Aaron Gordon, Orland Magic
Odds To Win 2017 Verizon Contest: -200
Last year’s runner-up Gordon will be the clear favorite to win this time around at -200 to take first place in the competition. Gordon dazzled at last year’s Slam Dunk competition with a performance many felt was enough to earn him top honors and he should be even more motivated this year with a shot at redemption. The 6’9’’, 220-pound Gordon will showcase an elite blend of size, athleticism and creativity and it will be a major surprise if he doesn’t win the dunk competition.
Derrick Jones Jr., Phoenix Suns
Odds To Win 2017 Verizon Contest: +155
The 19-year-old Jones has showcased his incredible dunking ability at every level and he could be the dark horse sleeper pick to win this event. Jones is a rookie out of UNLV that hasn’t received very much attention at all in the NBA because he has averaged just 3.3 minutes in six appearances for the Suns this year but the association is well aware of his explosive skill set so they were willing to give him a chance to do his thing on the big stage. Jones should have some tricks up his sleeve at NBA All-Star weekend and it will be on him to justify his selection in to the competition when his name is called.
Glenn Robinson III, Indiana Pacers
Odds To Win 2017 Verizon Contest: +750
Robinson is expected to be in the mix but it will be a surprise if he finishes higher than third in the competition trying to match up with Gordon and Jones as the likely frontrunners. Robinson is a terrific athlete in his own right but he isn’t as explosive as the first two names on this list. Robinson should be able to help keep the crowd entertained but barring any major surprises it will be Gordon and Jones in the spotlight.
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Odds To Win 2017 Verizon Contest: +1,200
Jordan is one of the most powerful and dominant big men in the NBA but he isn’t expected to challenge for the crown at this year’s Slam Dunk event. Jordan’s sheer size will make it hard for him to compete with Gordon and Jones and that is reflected by the fact that the sportsbooks have him listed as a +1200 longshot to win. The dunk contest isn’t usually a big man’s event but Jordan will do his best to hang around and maybe with enough creativity he could surprise as an unlikely champion at long odds.
2017 Slam Dunk Competition Judges
There will be five judges for the 2017 competition and they’re all NBA legends. There’s David Robinson, Dominique Wilkins, Chris Webber, Gary Payton and Alonzo Mourning.
Slam Dunk Competition Records
Of interest, Zach LaVine has posted the highest score in any round in the Slam Dunk Contest with a 200 in the 2016 final round. He also posted the best overall score with 299.0 points. He won’t be participating this year and is out for the season with an ACL injury.
Overall, there have been 26 players to score at least one perfect dunk and earn a score of 50. That list of players is: Julius Erving, Terence Stansbury, Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Gerald Wilkins, Spud Webb, Jerome Kersey, Cedric Ceballos, Vince Carter, Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, Jason Richardson, Desmond Mason, Fred Jones, Josh Smith, Amar’e Stoudemire, Andre Iguodala, Nate Robinson, Gerald Green, Dwight Howard, DeMar DeRozan, JaVale McGee, Terrence Ross, Victor Oladipo, Zach LaVine, and Aaron Gordon. Zach LaVine
2016 Slam Dunk Competition Results
| Player | First round | Finals | Tie-break 1 | Tie-break 2 |
| Zach LaVine (Minnesota) | 99 (50+49) | 100 (50+50) | 50 | 50 |
| Aaron Gordon (Orlando) | 94 (45+49) | 100 (50+50) | 50 | 47 |
| Andre Drummond (Detroit) | 75 (36+39) | |||
| Will Barton (Denver) | 74 (44+30) |
Bet on all of the big games this week at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
