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Zach LaVine, Andre Drummond headline 2016 dunk contest field
The run-up 2016 dunk contest at All-Star Saturday Night in Toronto figures to be dominated by the player who eclipsed the field last year in Brooklyn. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine will defend his 2015 title at the Verizon Slam Dunk at the Air Canada Centre on February 13. The full list of contestants was released on TNT's "Inside the NBA" prior to Thursday night's slate of nationally televised games, although Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com reported the participants on Wednesday night.
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LaVine thrilled the Barclays Center crowd as a rookie with one of the best contest performances in recent memory, earning more than a few comparisons to the legendary work of Vince Carter. He's the clear favorite to repeat, and the biggest reason to watch next Saturday will be to see the new dunks he brings to the competition. Expect another terrific show as LaVine tries to become the event's fourth back-to-back champion alongside Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson, and Nate Robinson.
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond is the dunk contest's lone participating All-Star. Known more for his powerful slams than acrobatics, the double-double machine will try to join Dwight Howard as the only centers to win the event (although many will tell you JaVale McGee should have beaten Blake Griffin in 2011).
Denver Nuggets wing Will Barton is an early contender for Most Improved Player and a fearsome finisher at the rim. His 31 made dunks this season already rates seven higher than his previous career high.
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon is the least heralded member of the quartet, but he attacks the rim with abandon and boasts one of the season's best in-game dunks, a double-clutch reverse.
The NBA also announced the Taco Bell Skills Challenge and Foot Locker Three-Point Contest participants on Thursday.
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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don't Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at efreeman_ysports@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
