Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon is headed to NBA All-Star Weekend.
The league announced Thursday that Gordon would be among the four competitors in its 2017 Slam Dunk Contest. He’ll square off against Phoenix Suns swingman Derrick Jones Jr., Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, and Indiana Pacers swingman Glenn Robinson III.
Given Gordon’s name recognition and prior experience in the event, he figures to be a strong favorite. Then again, the proverbial bar for him will be so high that he may have a tough time clearing it. The lesser-known Jones—who has played only eight minutes in his NBA career—and Robinson could be surprise standouts in the competition.
The Slam Dunk Contest will cap off NBA All-Star Saturday Night in New Orleans. The festivities begin on February 18th at 8 PM Eastern on TNT. Also on tap for the night: the Skills Challenge and Three-Point Shootout.
Gordon finished the 2016 Slam Dunk Contest as a runner-up to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine, who has decided to forego his chance to win a third consecutive Dunk crown.
Gordon, a third-year forward, is the sixth Magic player to ever take part in the Contest. He’ll hope to become the second to ever win, following Dwight Howard in 2008. Coincidentally, Howard’s victory took place in New Orleans.