BOSTON _ A shrug of the shoulders.
That's how Aaron Gordon reacted on Friday when he was asked about Zach LaVine's decision not to participate in the 2017 All-Star dunk contest.
"No reaction," Gordon said. "I don't doubt that Zach will be in the dunk contest in the future."
Last February in Toronto, Gordon and LaVine staged one of the most epic duels in the contest's history. After two tiebreakers, LaVine was crowned the winner in a controversial decision by the judges _ a decision so controversial that Indiana Pacers' superstar Paul George has said Gordon was "robbed."
LaVine also won the contest in 2015.
Gordon has not said publicly whether he will compete in this season's contest, which will be held on Feb. 18 inside New Orleans' Smoothie King Center.
But the NBA discourages players from leaking their plans.
On Friday, however, Gordon expertly deflected questions about the contest.
Asked how LaVine's decision will impact his decision, Gordon responded, "I'm not sure. Really I'm focused on trying to get us back into a rhythm with the Orlando Magic. I'm looking to get wins for us, and as a team we need to pick it up. I'm not really worried about the dunk contest right now."
When asked whether he was surprised that LaVine will not participate this year, Gordon answered, "I haven't really given it much thought. Zach is a tremendous dunker. It'd be great to see him in it. But just like myself focusing on the Orlando Magic, there's no doubt that he's focusing on Minnesota."
.jpg?w=600)
