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High-flying Trail Blazers forward Derrick Jones Jr. is not planning on competing in next month’s dunk competition. Jones, who took home the trophy in the 2020 event, told Trail Blazers digital reporter Casey Holdahl that he will not defend his crown at the 2021 All-Star Game showcase.
After winning the 2020 contest, @TheRea1DJones says he is NOT competing in the 2021 NBA Dunk Contest.
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) February 26, 2021
Last year, Jones narrowly claimed the trophy from Magic forward Aaron Gordon. Now in Portland, Jones has become a mainstay in the Blazers’ starting rotation. To start the year, the former Heat forward has appeared in 28 games (27 starts). In those outings, Jones is averaging 8.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
As of now, Damian Lillard appears to be the only Trail Blazers player headed to Atlanta for the All-Star Game. Along with his role in the marquee event, Lillard will also compete in three-point contest.