NBA D-League Dunk Contest 2017: Meet the Dunkers

Alex Poythress will look to put on a show in the 2017 D-League Dunk Contest. (Getty)

Aaron Gordon, Derrick Jones Jr. and Co. won’t be the only dunkers on display in New Orleans on Saturday.

The D-League will also have their dunking showcase on Saturday, with the preliminary round being streamed live on Facebook at 12:30 p.m. ET and the final airing on NBA TV during halftime of the D-League ALl-Star game (tips at 2:30 p.m. ET).

Though the D-League contest took a considerable hit when it lost Jones to the NBA event, it still boasts plenty of potential.

Here’s a look at who will be part of this year’s spectacle:

2017 NBA D-League Dunk Contest Participants

John Jordan, Raptors 905
Alex Poythress, Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Troy Williams, Iowa Energy
Derek Cooke Jr., Northern Arizona Suns
Alfonzo McKinnie, Windy City Bulls
Trahson Burrell, Long Island Nets

Preview

Jordan–no relation to a certain other dunk contest winner–is the defending champion after putting a show last year:

The 5-foot-10 guard has pogo-stick hops–as a sophomore in college he measured a 49.5″ vertical–and should be considered the favorite to win on Saturday.

That said, he has plenty of competition.

Troy Williams, in particular, has a freakish blend of length and explosiveness that should help him put on a show.

Here’s a complete look at what the rest of the participants bring to the table:

Ultimately, don’t be surprised if this one comes down to Jordan and Williams, who stand as the two best pure athletes in the contest. No matter what happens, though, it should be an entertaining display and the perfect warm-up for All-Star Saturday night.