4 of the top slam-dunkers in the NBA throw down on Saturday night at the 2020 AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest. This season’s event has a good mix of young veterans, Aaron Gordon and Derrick Jones Jr., a big man that can fly, Pat Connaughton, and a veteran who used to dominate, Dwight Howard. Each brings his own unique dunking style. Which player gets the nod as the Slam Dunk Contest winner? Check out analysis and a free pick!
2020 AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds, Preview & Pick
- When: Friday, Feb. 15 at 9:00 pm ET
- Where: United Center, Chicago, IL
- TV: TNT
2020 AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds
Aaron Gordon – Orlando Magic, PF
This is Aaron Gordon’s third attempt at the Slam Dunk Contest Trophy. Gordon lost by a hair to Zach LaVine back in 2016. The 24-year-old Orlando Magic star lost to Glenn Robinson III in 2017. He took a couple of seasons off. Now back, Gordon’s determined to win the event. He brings power and grace to each one of his dunks. That’s a rare thing.
Derrick Jones Jr. – Miami Heat, SF
In his second try, Derrick Jones Jr. has a huge shot to win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Jones Jr. finished second to Robinson III at the 2017 event. He’s got hops, no doubt. But he’s more power and height than anything else. Derrick must bring the creativity to have any shot of beating Gordon.
Pat Connaughton – Milwaukee Bucks, SG
Most Slam Dunk Contest fans have already written off Pat Connaughton. A 2-sport star in college, the Baltimore Orioles drafted him, Connaughton figures to lean on his creative spirit to win this. He’s got power and even some grace. What he doesn’t get on his dunks is height. That’s why Pat’s odds are double Derrick Jones Jr.’s.
Dwight Howard – Los Angeles Lakers, C
In 2008, Dwight won this contest. That was many moons ago. Now a 34-year-old veteran, Howard can still throw it down. He shouldn’t impress anybody with a 360 from the free-throw line on Saturday night. He could get some “oohs and aahs” with a one-handed slam that bends the rim. Will that be enough? Probably not.
2020 AT&T NBA Slam Dunk Contest Final Betting Analysis
Unless Gordon and Derrick Jones Jr. miss their dunks, the battle should come down to those two. Neither Dwight Howard nor Pat Connaughton will get enough height on their dunks to impress the judges. Connaughton has an outside shot to use a gimmick to get himself to the final round. But even then, we’ve seen it all before, right? It had better be a great gimmick.
So, which favorite takes the trophy? Derrick Jones Jr. displays incredible power. He can fly as high as he wants. But Gordon blends power and finesse. Aaron’s absurd body control makes him the contestant to fear. In his third try, Aaron Gordon should win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Go with the chalk.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Free Pick: Aaron Gordon +125
