Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine is one of the greatest NBA Dunk Contest performers of all-time, but it has become quite clear that he wants to be known as more than just a high-flying dunker.
LaVine really kicked off his "More Than A Dunker" tour last month when he turned down an opportunity to compete in the dunk contest on his home court and instead took part in the 3-point competition. He doubled down on his stance on Tuesday in response to ::checks notes:: a Happy Birthday tweet from ESPN? Yes, that is right.
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The official ESPN account called attention to LaVine's 25th birthday on Tuesday afternoon by tweeting out a compilation of his 2016 Dunk Contest performance along with the caption: "The high-flyer put on an absolute show at the 2016 slam dunk contest." It was a fine video. Who among us wouldn't appreciate a 90-second clip of LaVine's jaw-dropping, rim-rocking jams?
Whoever is in charge of running that account certainly did not intend to offend LaVine, not on his 25th birthday, but the Bulls guard took exception to the tweet nonetheless. Not long after the video was posted, LaVine responded, "Still just want to talk about dunking huh [face palm emoji]."
In short, if you are going to wish the two-time dunk champ a Happy Birthday on twitter today, please refrain from referring to him as a former dunk champ. Instead, maybe consider dropping him a line about how he's averaging a career-high 1.5 steals per game.
Zach LaVine, Ja Morant Among 2020 Dunk Contest Invitees: Report
LaVine considering going for his third title in front of the hometown crowd.
The 2020 NBA Dunk Contest field started to take shape on Monday morning, as The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has agreed to participate in the competition for the fourth time in his career. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that the three other Dunk Contest invitees are Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr., Memphis Grizzlies rookie sensation Ja Morant, and two-time Dunk Champ Zach LaVine.
Jones Jr., who competed in the 2017 contest, will participate this year in Chicago but it remains to be seen if LaVine and/or Morant will follow suit.
According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, LaVine is considering taking part in his third Dunk Contest in front of the hometown fans, and he'll be "more likely" to participate if he is selected to the Eastern Conference All Star team. The 24-year old high flyer captured the crown in 2015 and 2016 after outlasting Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon in dramatic fashion.
Meanwhile, Morant has already put together quite the impressive in-game dunk highlight reel in just his first 31 games. And let's not forget about that time he jumped over Kevin Love.
The 2020 Dunk Contest, taking place at the United Center in Chicago, will cap off All-Star Saturday night on February 15. We'll keep you updated with the confirmed participants once LaVine and Morant make their decision. In the meantime, relive some of LaVine's past Dunk Contest performances in the video embedded below, and let us know who you'd want to see compete if he and Ja opt out.
