Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine has been invited to the dunk contest this year in Chicago. Should he accept the invitation?
According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine has been invited to participate in the 2020 NBA Dunk Contest. Woodyard points out that LaVine is still undecided but is more likely to accept the invitation if he gets selected as an All-Star.
LaVine has a rich history in the dunk contest. He won it twice in a row in 2015 and 2016, respectively — both times as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now, as a member of the Chicago Bulls, and with the city of Chicago hosting NBA All-Star Weekend, LaVine has a chance to bring some fun back to Chi-Town.
LaVine has a lot of things to consider when finalizing his decision of whether or not to compete in the dunk contest. His health should be his primary concern. If he’s even a little stiff, sore or banged up, he shouldn’t compete. There’s no reason to put that much stress on his legs. If he’s 100 percent healthy, that’s a different story.
Another thing LaVine needs to consider is the narrative surrounding his name. Right now, people see LaVine as an NBA gimmick. He’s seen as a high-flyer who can only win when the contest is based on raw athleticism. He’s not seen as a complete, winning basketball player.
I think that’s why he’s reportedly more interested in competing in the dunk contest if he gets placed on an All-Star team. If he’s an All-Star, people have to take him seriously, not just marvel at how high he can jump. The dunk contest would simply be the cherry on top of a wonderful weekend.
For the sake of Bulls fans, I hope LaVine is an All-Star, and I hope he chooses to participate in the dunk contest (assuming he’s healthy). Bulls Nation has been craving something fun to watch for years. They need LaVine to show out on the United Center floor on both Saturday and Sunday night.
NBA All-Star Weekend is February 14-16.