Whether Blake Griffin is out of ideas or just wants to lay low, the reigning champion doesn't plan on defending his Slam Dunk contest title this year.

The Los Angeles Clippers star was quoted by ESPN Los Angeles saying:

As of right now I don't plan on being in it. Those dunk contests aren't my thing, I said that last year. There's a lot of guys that can put on a great show and do some good stuff.

Griffin treats every game like a dunk contest so how it's not "his thing" is anyone's guess.

In any event, it seems unlikely that he'll be jumping over any cars this year and somebody will have to take his place.

Ironically, the best place to start looking is in his own frontcourt...

 

DeAndre Jordan, Clippers

The big man from Lob City is one that many people are excited about seeing throw down in the competition.

The best part is that he's interested as long as his teammate isn't. ESPN LA writes:

If he was asked to participate in the slam dunk contest, Jordan said he would do it on one condition. "If I didn't have to go against Blake."

Now all we're waiting on is the NBA to make the call.

 

Paul George, Pacers

The second-year swingman actually wants to participate in the dunk contest.

George is putting together a solid sophomore campaign and starting to truly blossom for a good Pacers team.

We also know he can throw it down.

George is an ideal candidate to grab now before he becomes disenchanted with the idea of hustling during the All-Star break as a potential All-Star.

 

LeBron James, Heat

The self-proclaimed King is on the fence about finally throwing down in a dunk contest...again. The Palm Beach Post quotes him saying:

I don't know, I'll be on the fence every year about it. It's always a fence year for me. I know they're getting tired of me, though, so I'm not even going to start up nothing.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst then quoted him saying, "If I decided to do it then I would have to win. Otherwise it would be a waste of my Saturday night."

Maybe James will show up and try to win something for once.

 

John Wall, Wizards

The young point guard isn't noted for being the most ferocious dunker, but he can jump with the best of 'em.

Wall has already done some serious damage this year posterizing big men with every opportunity.

He's only in his second year and will certainly attract attention to the competition.

Hey, the Wizards have only won four games so far this year, it would be nice for him to win something.

 

Iman Shumpert, Knicks

The rookie guard is not a big name, but he can jump out of the gym and bring some pain to the rim.

There are plenty of people who love and hate the Knicks, so Shumpert would bring some appeal regardless.

This wouldn't be a bad way for the Knicks to get their first-round pick some publicity.