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NBA Slam Dunk Contest: A Phoenix Suns History

By Matthew Daniels

Feb 15, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Derrick Jones Jr. dunks the ball in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 137-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Derrick Jones Jr. dunks the ball in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Lakers 137-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been 12 years since a Phoenix Sun has entered the Slam Dunk Contest.

With Derrick Jones Jr. participating this evening*, why not take a quick look back at former Suns participants?

Larry Nance: The original Slam Dunk Champion. When the Slam Dunk Contest was first introduced in 1984 Larry Nance stole the show, beating out Julius Erving and Dominique Wilkins for the title. He did return the next year, but was eliminated in the semifinal.

1984

1985

Tim Perry: In 1989, Perry was the second Sun to participate in the contest. He was fairly unmemorable as was eliminated in the first round. Although he was edged out by only one point.

Kenny Battle: Battle was in the contest directly following Perry in 1990 and must have taken notes on Perry, as he too lost in the first round, posting the lowest total score in the contest.

Cedric Ceballos: Ceballos was the second Suns player to make back-to-back appearances in the Dunk Contest. In ’92 he won the competition in a close win over Larry Johnson. Ceballos made it back final round the next year, but was eliminated.

1992

1993

Michael Finley: The final round of the ’93 Dunk Contest was between Michael Finley and Brent Barry. Unfortunately Finley was unable to win the contest, losing by three points.

Amar’e Stoudemire: Participating in the Dunk Contest in 2003 and 2005, Amar’e could not pull it out either time, although not without a few very memorable dunks. In 2003 he lost in the first round, while in 2005 he possibly could have won had it not been for Josh Smith pulling out two 50’s in the final round.

2003

2005

Derrick Jones Jr. is looking to be the third Sun to win the contest. Being the underdog and not recording an NBA dunk until last Wednesday, it is almost the perfect setting for a new champion.

*For information on this year’s contest, visit: http://www.nba.com/allstar/2017/events/dunk-contest

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