Thunderous Intentions
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Top storylines of 2018 All-Star, Part 1

By Tamberlyn Richardson

STUDIO CITY, CA - JANUARY 25: A photo of the LeBron James and Stephen Curry Brand Jordan NBA All-Star Uniforms on January 25, 2018 at CBS Studios in Studio City, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
STUDIO CITY, CA - JANUARY 25: A photo of the LeBron James and Stephen Curry Brand Jordan NBA All-Star Uniforms on January 25, 2018 at CBS Studios in Studio City, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NBA All-Star
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell /

2018 NBA All-Star Saturday Night:

Can rookies bring the heat in slam dunk comp?

Historically there are perhaps a hand full of great dunk competitions. The man credited with bringing dunks to the NBA events is Dr. J (Julius Erving) whose free throw line dunk has often been channeled by competitors in the event, but never replicated.

Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins provided the best two way battles. Vince Carter produced arguably the greatest individual performance of all-time. And, three years ago in Toronto Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon put on one of the greatest showdowns ever witnessed.

This year the dunk competition has the potential to live up to the pre-show hype. First of all, the man who beat Dr. J in the very first dunk contest was Larry Nance. Tonight, his son will take to the court looking to replicate that performance. Nance returns to the court he was traded from and is the only big man in the competition. Rumors are he’ll use his father in a dunk as well.

But, what makes this contest feel like it could be special is the two rookies who’ve served up highlight dunks in game. As guards Dennis Smith Jr. and Donovan Mitchell have the benefit of the wow factor because of their smaller size.

Both are also powerful dunkers. The question is whether their nerves will lead to missed dunks. And former OKC Thunder guard Victor Oladipo returns looking to steal the victory. Dipo’s issue is he lacks power being a more fluid dunker.

My pick is Mitchell, but in truth I do think any of the four could pull out the victory. Nance has the best sentimental story and the best shot of upsetting the favorites.

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