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5 Players Who Could Compete in NBA Dunk Contest, 3-Point Shootout and Skills Challenge

By Steven Kubitza

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is a dynamic player.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is a dynamic player. / Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The NBA is a league filled with world-class athletes and the best of the best will be on display this weekend for the All-Star festivities. NBA All-Star weekend features plenty of fun event including the Skills Challenge, Dunk Contest, and the 3-Point Contest. The dynamic abilities of so many NBA players mean there are plenty of guys who could compete and succeed in all three contests. Here are five who could take the crown in all three events if presented the opportunity.

5. Donovan Mitchell

The Utah Jazz have a special player in Donovan Mitchell.
The Utah Jazz have a special player in Donovan Mitchell. / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Donovan Mitchell stands just over six feet tall, yet a simple Google search of his dunks reveals a wide array of highlights. The 23-year-old point guard is a 36% 3-point shooter and could hold his own in any shooting contest. He would also breeze through the Skills Challenge due to his capable ball handling skills and quickness. Where he could build his legend is in the Dunk Contest, and at 6-foot-1 he could surprise everyone with his hyper-athletic jams.

4. LeBron James

LeBron James has thrown down some huge dunks with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James has thrown down some huge dunks with the Los Angeles Lakers. / Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

LeBron James is not a normal human being. He is a 6-foot-9 position-less player who can do just about anything on a basketball court. He would have an advantage in the Skills Challenge because of his size, and could excel due to his versatility as a passer, ball handler and scorer. The 3-Point Contest may be the most difficult task for the King, but he owns a career 34% mark from beyond the arc. NBA fans were never privy to seeing him in the Dunk Contest, but that's not because the offer wasn't on the table. If LeBron felt the urge, he could compete in, and possibly win, any one of these contests.

3. Paul George

Paul George has shown he can do it all with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Paul George has shown he can do it all with the Los Angeles Clippers. / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Paul George is shooting nearly 40% from deep this season and is a player who is nearly impossible to stop because of his athleticism at his size. George can dunk with ease and also handles the ball like a guard even while being 6-foot-8. He took part in the Dunk Contest in his younger days and the way he has developed his shooting makes him a no-brainer to be someone who would succeed all Saturday night long.

2. Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian LIllard can do it all.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian LIllard can do it all. / Abbie Parr/Getty Images

Damian Lillard could cruise through the Skills Challenge due to his great abilities with the ball in his hands. He is a dynamic point guard who also happens to average four made 3-pointers per game, which puts him second behind only James Harden. He may only be 6-foot-2, but Dame can dunk with the best of them and has already featured in a Dunk Contest in the past.

1. Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine has emerged as a legitimate star with the Chicago Bulls.
Zach LaVine has emerged as a legitimate star with the Chicago Bulls. / Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Zach LaVine has already shown the world his dunking abilities in the past. Yet he is not defined by only his abilities at the rim. LaVine has blossomed into an all-around player in Chicago and is a 38.5% 3-point shooter this season, and will be participating in the Shootout this season. He has speed, he can shoot from deep, and he can soar high to throw done highlight-reel dunks. He's one of the unique molds who could actually take home glory in any one of the All-Star Weekend's events.