Report: Damian Lillard to compete in Slam Dunk Contest, may also partake in 3-Point Contest
All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be a busy three days for Damian Lillard.
Already set to compete in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, the Skills Challenge on Saturday, and the All-Star Game on Sunday, the reigning Rookie of the Year will now reportedly compete in the Slam Dunk Contest and may also partake in the Three-Point Contest.
Per Chris Haynes of CSN Northwest:
Portland Trail Blazers All-Star guard Damian Lillard has accepted the league’s invitation to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend in New Orleans, a league source informed CSNNW.com.
We reported a few days ago that Lillard was pondering the idea of displaying his ups on the grandest stage and now we’re told he is all in.
It doesn’t stop there, however.
The NBA has broached Lillard with an attractive, unprecedented opportunity. They’ve asked him to consider the Three-Point Shooting Contest as well, another source relayed to CSNNW.com.
If the report is accurate and should Lillard choose to participate in the Three-Point Contest, he'll be the first player in NBA history to compete in all five events at All-Star Weekend. And apparently it's that prospect specifically which is encouraging him to partake.
Lillard might not seem like the most obvious candidate for the Slam Dunk Contest. But make no mistake about it, the 6-foot-3 Weber State product has hops:
And if you needed any more convincing:
As it stands, reigning Slam Dunk Contest champion Terrence Ross is the only other player to confirm his participation in the event.