Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Report: Heat's Derrick Jones Jr. Accepts Invite to 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Timothy Rapp

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has a second participant, with Miami Heat wing Derrick Jones Jr. reportedly joining Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium: 

Jones can jump out of the gym:

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And he has a habit of adding to his highlight reel every week or so. You don't have to search long to find an impressive aerial display from the young Heat swingman:

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In Chicago, however, Jones will be facing a former champion in Howard, who won the competition in 2008 after famously donning a Superman cape: 

Jones is no first-timer himself, having competed in the event in 2017, where he finished as the runner-up to Glenn Robinson III after this impressive dunk from the victor:

The young Heat player hasn't exactly accepted the judges' decision in that event, however:

It remains to be seen which players will be joining Howard and Jones. Two-time winner Zach LaVine would bring the noise if he chooses to participate. Ditto for defending champion Hamidou Diallo. Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon—who finished as the runner-up to LaVine in 2016 in one of the best iterations of the event in its history—would be a fantastic option. 

But don't bet against Jones—the man can fly. And it appears he still has a bit of a chip on his shoulder after losing to Robinson three years ago. 

   

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