Nuggets Swingman Will Barton To Compete In Slam Dunk Competition

DENVER (CBS4) - Denver swingman Will Barton has been chosen to compete in the NBA's upcoming dunk contest.

Barton will compete against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine -- last year's champion -- plus Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond and Orland Magic forward Aaron Gordon in Toronto.

The dunk competition is part of the NBA's All-Star weekend and it takes place at 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 13.

"It's an honor to be asked and will be an exciting event to attend. The Slam Dunk contest is a favorite of the fans, so it will be cool to give them a good show," Barton said in a prepared statement.

The Nuggets say Barton, who is enjoying his best season as a pro, is a contender for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.

LaVine delivered an electric performance in the dunk contest last year. He says he debated about coming back and made his decision after strong encouragement from his fans.

If LaVine wins, he will become the fourth player in the 31-year history of the event to repeat as champion. Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson and Nate Robinson are the others.

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