David Aldridge, TNT analyst: Besides LeBron? I’ll settle for Jordan Clarkson. He’s violent above the rim and fun to watch.
Steve Aschburner, NBA.com: I could say Steph Curry, just because he’s having a magical season already and it would go against the grain of expectations. Or Derrick Rose, who doesn’t dunk anymore and could use the contest to break through whatever injury anxiety remains. Or LeBron James, just because he hasn’t done one. But I’ll play it straight and say Andrew Wiggins, who needs to have some fun and act his age (20). Wiggins, with Karl-Anthony Towns taking over as the new Timberpup, has been thrust into bigger role as a so-called veteran. But he’s still on his way up – as he could demonstrate from way, way up in the Dunk Contest.
Fran Blinebury, NBA.com: Kobe Bryant. Turn back the clock for old times sake.
Scott Howard-Cooper, NBA.com: Ronald Roberts Jr., but that would mean someone signing him out of the NBA D-League very, very soon. (Which wouldn’t be such a bad thing for non-dunk reasons as well.) Blake Griffin would be a fun watch as well, likely full of theatrics, but this is not possible either. Among available players, Russell Westbrook, Gerald Green and Giannis Antetokounmpo come to mind. Westbrook would be the first choice, but “The Greek Freak” could be amazing with that size.
Shaun Powell, NBA.com: Well, the defending champ is quite the entertainer near the rim, so give me Zach LaVine. I’m sure Victor Oladipo would like a shot at redemption and perhaps another attempt at rapping on the mic as well, but for my money, LaVine is creative enough to give the event some pop and keep the TV audience fixated.
John Schuhmann, NBA.com: I’d like to see Andrew Wiggins challenge teammate Zach LaVine for the crown, with Andre Miller throwing lobs to both of them.
Sekou Smith, NBA.com: Andrew Wiggins. What could be better than going home for the Dunk Contest with a built-in advantage in what is sure to be a raucous home crowd? Plus, dunk contests are for young legs and guys who are in their physical primes. Wiggins is a highlight-reel finisher and certainly has all the tools necessary to dazzle the crowd in Toronto. Plus, a dunk off between Wiggins and his Timbwerolves teammate Zach LaVine would make for must-see-TV for anyone that still loves the All-Star Saturday night showcase.
Ian Thomsen, NBA.com: Andrew Wiggins. I’m not the biggest fan of the Dunk Contest, but I would like to see the best Canadian athlete feeding off the energy of his fans in Canada.
Lang Whitaker, NBA.com’s All Ball blog: If it hasn’t happened by now it will most likely never happen, but how about LeBron James? The guy has spent the last decade executing awesome in-game dunks, while refusing to compete in the actual Dunk Contest. LeBron has publicly kicked around the idea, though never committing to competing. He has such a unique combination of power and speed, and he’s clearly creative, that I think that even now on the other side of 30, LeBron could still win the Dunk Contest.
