Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > NBA News > Jazz Rookie Donovan Mitchell Replaces Magic’s Aaron Gordon In 2018 Slam Dunk Contest
NBA News

Jazz Rookie Donovan Mitchell Replaces Magic’s Aaron Gordon In 2018 Slam Dunk Contest

Matthew Moreno
Published: 02/06/2018
2 Min Read
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The NBA officially announced Utah Jazz rookie guard Donovan Mitchell has replaced Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon in the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest. The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, during All-Star Weekend at Staples Center.

Mitchell will also play in the Rising Stars Challenge, but will no longer participate in the Skills Challenge.

He joins a field that includes Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo, Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. and Dallas Mavericks rookie guard Dennis Smith Jr. Mitchell’s inclusion gives the contest another explosive dunker.

Beyond some of his highlight-worthy dunks this season, Mitchell has impressed all around. He leads all rookies in points per game (19.7) and 3-pointers made (115).

That play has put the No. 13 overall pick in the thick of the conversation with Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers for Rookie of the Year.

Mitchell’s opportunity in the Dunk Contest was created by a hip injury that’s forced Gordon to miss the Magic’s past four games, including Monday night’s contest. Gordon leads the team with 18.4 points per game this season.

Gordon competed the past two years in the dunking event, finishing as runner-up in 2016, and getting eliminated in the first round last year.

Defending Slam Dunk Contest champion Glenn Robinson III suffered an ankle injury during training camp and only recently returned to the court, playing for the Pacers’ G League affiliate.

WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERS NATION FORUM CLUB

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Donovan MitchellLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?