Aaron Gordon had a lot of frustration built up towards Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade following the 2020 NBA Dunk Contest. Of course, many people thought Gordon should have won, especially since he dunked over Tacko Fall who is 7'6." In the end, Gordon lost out to Derrick Jones Jr. who just so happens to play for Wade's old team. Gordon was so upset about his dunk contest loss that he even wrote a diss track about Wade called "9 OUT OF 10."
Recently, Gordon and Wade decided to talk things out on Instagram Live, where they had an in-depth discussion about everything that went down during the contest. As Wade explains, Gordon had the best overall score but since the dunk contest winner was based on who had the best final round, Wade had to give the better score to Jones Jr. In fact, Wade admits he wasn't trying to make Gordon lose that round and simply wanted to judge that dunk on its own.
Gordon eventually came around to Wade's explanation while also acknowledging that Derrick Jones Jr. was very impressive in the competition. All in all, it seems like there is no real bad blood between these two and finally, we have some closure to this very strenuous saga.
Florida basketball fans can finally be at peace with each other.
Dwyane Wade Responds To Aaron Gordon’s Diss Track
Aaron Gordon recently made a diss track about Dwyane Wade in light of his dunk contest snub.
Aaron Gordon was rightfully pissed off after the NBA All-Star Dunk Competition back in February. Of course, he lost the contest to Derrick Jones Jr of the Miami Heat. Much of the vitriol behind this loss was directed at Dwyane Wade who clearly skewed his scores in order to give a Heat player the win. Last night, Gordon decided to finally get everything off of his chest, by dropping a diss track directed at Wade called "9 OUT OF 10."
Throughout the track, Gordon drops off bars about how Wade disrespected him and that he should have won the competition. He even made reference to the famous dunk in which he hopped over Tacko Fall who is 7'6."
Wade got to see the music video for the track and decided to take to Twitter where he gave his response. Instead of being upset, Wade gave Gordon some advice.
"He should trademark 9/10. Make some money off of it. That’s free advice that I won’t charge him for it," Wade wrote.
Clearly, there is no real bad blood between the two even if Gordon does have some general saltiness about the whole situation. The dunk contest is quite lucrative for some players and Gordon has been robbed twice now.
Let us know in the comments below what you think of Gordon's track.
Aaron Gordon Disses Dwyane Wade In New Song "9 OUT OF 10"
Aaron Gordon is still upset with Dwyane Wade about what went down at the dunk contest.
Remember when Aaron Gordon dunked over a 7’6″ Tacko Fall and still didn’t win the dunk contest during All-Star weekend. I mean, how could you forget. It’s pretty well the only thing anybody wanted to talk about the entire weekend and for good reason. Simply put, Dwyane Wade messed up and he messed it up badly. The Miami Heat legend has been understandably blamed for Gordon’s loss and despite standing by his own opinion, the basketball world has continued to make Wade feel like the bad guy.
Gordon seems to be hurt the most by Wade’s betrayal and now, he is clapping back at the future Hall of Famer the only way the internet knows how: through a diss track. Before your face makes contact with your palm, try to give the song a chance. It’s called “9 OUT OF 10” and features a plethora of bars related to the dunk contest and how Wade just couldn’t appreciate his greatness.
There are plenty of NBA players who have thrown their hats into the rap arena although Gordon’s foray into the genre is seemingly coming out of nowhere. In fact, Gordon dropped a track just two weeks ago, in the middle of the NBA’s imposed quarantine. Clearly, boredom has begun to creep in and the Orlando Magic star is looking for something to do.
As for the diss track, let us know what you think, in the comments below.
Dwyane Wade Claps Back At Dunk Contest Critics
Dwyane Wade weighs in on the 2020 NBA Dunk Contest, says he's not the only one to blame for Aaron Gordon's final score.
Dwyane Wade has received plenty of criticism for the way the 2020 NBA Dunk Contest concluded, but he insists he's not the only one to blame for Aaron Gordon's final score. In case you missed it, the Dunk Contest ended in controversy when Wade, Scottie Pippen and actor Chadwick Boseman all gave Gordon a '9' for his final dunk over 7'5 center Tacko Fall, resulting in a win for Derrick Jones Jr.
Wade, who was clearly favoring his former Miami Heat teammate, was promptly bombarded with nasty messages from disgruntled fans who felt he personally robbed Gordon of his first Dunk Contest crown. Check out the video embedded below to listen to D-Wade's thoughts about all of the hate he has received.
According to a report by ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Malika Andrews, the five judges had agreed to give Gordon a total score of 48, which would have tied him with Derrick Jones Jr. in the dunk-off. However, it appears that someone (Wade) went rogue, and Gordon ended up with a 47 as a result.
"We thought it was going to be tied. We were like, 'This is a tie!'" Common told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne."But somebody didn't do it right. I don't know who it is."
Needless to say, Gordon was just as frustrated as the fans after he delivered five, perfect 50 dunks in a row only to go home empty handed. "I did four straight 50s -- five straight 50s," Gordon said afterward, per ESPN. "That's over. It's a wrap. Let's go home. Four 50s in a row in an NBA dunk contest, it's over. But I don't know. Who's running the show?"
Derrick Jones Jr. Beats Aaron Gordon In Controversial Dunk Contest
Derrick Jones Jr. battled through two tiebreaking dunk-offs to notch the dunk contest win over Aaron Gordon during All-Star weekend.
It was a battle that ended in conspiracy, tiebreakers, unbelievable dunks, and more: Miami Heat's Derrick Jones Jr. won the NBA dunk contest in a neck-and-neck battle with Orlando Magic's Aaron Gordon.
After two tie-breaking dunk-offs, the judges awarded Jones Jr. the victory-- a decision they claimed afterward was made in error: "We thought it was going to be tied. We were like, 'This is a tie!'" Common, who was judging for the event, told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. "But somebody didn't do it right. I don't know who it is."
Candace Parker, who was also on the judges' panel, confirmed they had intended the second dunk-off to end in a tie as well.
The final score was decided after Jones Jr. earned a 48 for a free throw line (close enough) windmill dunk and Gordon notched only a 47 for dunking over 7-foot-5 Boston Celtics rookie Tacko Fall.
"I did four straight 50s -- five straight 50s," Gordon said. "That's over. It's a wrap. Let's go home. Four 50s in a row in an NBA dunk contest, it's over. But I don't know. Who's running the show?
"It's a wrap, bro," he said. "I feel like I should have two trophies."
The NBA All-Star Game tips off Sunday at 8:00 PM EST.
Orlando Magic “Tried Hard” To Trade Aaron Gordon: Report
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon was reportedly on the trading block at the deadline, and could be once again this off-season.
The Orlando Magic's high-flying forward Aaron Gordon received interest from several teams leading up the NBA trade deadline earlier this month, including the likes of the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns. According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Magic "tried hard" to work out a deal for Gordon, but ultimately decided against it. At least, for now.
According to Heavy.com, a source explained, “They were trying, and they tried hard to get something done with him at the deadline. All that gets brought back into focus once the season is over and you have a good idea what the market is for him.”
Gordon, 24, has been the subject of trade rumors throughout his six seasons in Orlando and it certainly seems as though those rumblings will persist into the off-season. At the very least, the Magic will continue to explore every avenue. Days before the NBA trade deadline, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski explained:
"Aaron Gordon's a player they've had some discussions about," Wojnarowski said on his podcast with Bobby Marks (H/T Bleacher Report). "I think it's a tricky one to trade him now, with the season-ending injuries to Jonathan Isaac, to Al-Farouq Aminu. ... If you're going to move Gordon and you want to try to stick around in the playoff chase...you've got to get back a significant amount.
"I think, for Orlando, if there's a significant return, I think they would be open to it. But I don't know if that deal is out there."
Gordon still has two years remaining on his contract - he is due $18.1 million in 2020-21 and $16.4 million in 2021-22. He is currently averaging 14.2 points, 7.3 rebound and 3.1 assists per game.
Harry Aaron/Getty Images
Aaron Gordon To Become Face Of Chinese Sneaker Brand 361 Degrees: Report
Gordon reportedly in line for a signature sneaker as part of rumored deal.
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon might be wearing some brand new sneakers when he takes the court for the 2020 Slam Dunk Contest on February 15th.
According to ESPN's Nick DePaula, Gordon is poised to become the face of Chinese sportswear brand 361 Degrees as part of a proposed multi-million dollar sneaker deal. DePaula notes that the explosive 24-year old forward would also receive his own signature sneaker as part of the partnership.
Gordon has been repping for Nike ever since his days with the Arizona Wildcats and he has rotated through several Nike signatures throughout this season, including the Nike Kyrie 5 and Kyrie 6, as well as the Nike KD 10 and Nike Kobe 4 Protro. The Nike Swoosh was on his feet during that epic 2016 Dunk Contest when he was narrowly defeated by Zach LaVine, and if there were ever a time for Gordon to announce his deal with 361 Degrees, it would be at the United Center during All Star Saturday night.
Regardless of what sneakers are on his feet, I, for one, can not wait to see what tricks he has in the bag his return to the Dunk Contest. More hoverboards, drones and mascots? Windmilling over a charging bull ridden by Zach LaVine? We can't rule anything out.
Shaq Hilariously Jabs Aaron Gordon For Appearing To Be High On TV
Shaq never skips a beat.
Shaq is easily one of the funniest people in sports media right now and he is never shy to crack some jokes at someone else's expense. Last night, Shaq was on the NBA on TNT panel with Dwyane Wade and Candace Parker. At one point, the crew got to interview dunk contest competitor Aaron Gordon. Throughout the interview, Gordon appeared to be high out of his mind although no one can confirm if that was actually true or not. Either way, Shaq made sure to make fun of Gordon in the most subtle ways possible.
As you can see in the videos below, Shaq alludes to Gordon getting "high" on his dunks while the host next to Shaq asks Gordon to "smoke" the competition. At the end of the segment, Shaq tells Parker and D-Wade that he plans on cutting the weeds around his home. Parker and Wade were trying to hide their laughter although you could clearly spot them cracking up.
Gordon seemed to be oblivious in regards to the jokes being thrown his way which made the segment that much funnier. Had Charles Barkley been on the panel, we're sure there would have been even more jokes flying around the set. Either way, it was some pretty great television that reminded us of why we love Shaq so much.
Bucks’ Pat Connaughton To Participate In 2020 Dunk Contest: Fans React
Connaughton rounds out the 2020 dunk contest participants.
The 2020 NBA Dunk Contest field has reportedly been finalized and, sadly, the fourth participant is not two-time champion Zach LaVine.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Milwaukee Bucks' Pat Connaughton has agreed to participate in the contest on February 15th, joining Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon, and Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr.
Connaughton may not be the popular pick amongst fans but the 27-year old is looking forward to disproving the naysayers who don't think he's worthy of competing.
"I actually like the stereotypes, because I can disprove them. In today's day and age, political correctness and stereotypes are kind of unspoken truths, if you will," Connaughton told The Undefeated's Martenzie Johnson. "From time to time, people don't want to talk about them and they're not always true, but they're just kind of the way it is. So to be able to be a part of, you know, a small group that can disprove a stereotype like 'White men can't jump,' I think is pretty cool.
"If you do work hard, it doesn't really matter who you are, where you're from, what box people try to place you in. You can kind of get out of that box. You can accomplish what you want to with some hard work, with some dedication."
Connaughton is the only first-time dunk contest competitor amongst the 2020 participants. Howard is the only one who has won the event, but he has not participated in over a decade. Check out some the mixed reactions around #NBATwitter regarding the
Aaron Gordon To Participate In 2020 Dunk Contest: Relive His Best Performances
Just waiting on Zach LaVine now...
Basketball fans were bummed out when Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant turned down an invitation to the 2020 Dunk Contest, but the NBA's "Plan B" has us more excited than ever for All Star Saturday night. According to Shams Charania, Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon has agreed to participate in the Dunk Contest, joining Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard and Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr.
Gordon, 24, last competed in the Dunk Contest in 2017, but it's his epic performance from 2016 that has fans eager to see what he pulls out the bag at the United Center on February 15th. The man who defeated him in 2016, Zach LaVine, has already been invited to go for this third Dunk Contest crown, but he has not yet announced whether or not he'll join the field.
LaVine has not competed in the Dunk Contest since 2016, when he narrowly beat out Gordon in an instant classic, double-overtime thriller. Fans had already been calling for the hometown favorite to lace 'em up again on All Star Saturday night, and that's only going to escalate further now that his rival has committed to the show.
Check out some of Gordon's greatest Dunk Contest performances in the video embedded below while we await LaVine's decision.
