NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2014: Highlighting Most Deserving Performers

The participant list for the 2014 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Feb. 15 has yet to be announced, but there's no denying whom NBA fans want to see in the once-iconic All-Star event. 

Miami Heat superstar and four-time league MVP LeBron James is not only a fan favorite, but also one of the best dunkers in the sport.

Therefore, it's no surprise that he heads the list of the most deserving performers we hope to see in New Orleans this winter.

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Rocky Widner/Getty Images

The 2014 NBA Slam Dunk Contest would instantly become must-see television if LeBron were to participate. 

Although it seems like a long shot that the two-time NBA Finals MVP will try his luck in All-Star Saturday night's marquee event, there's no denying that LeBron has earned the right to participate and showcase his dunking prowess.

Basketball has never seen an athlete like LeBron before and likely never will again, making every year that he doesn't appear a significant letdown. 

Gerald Green, Phoenix Suns

Suns high-flyer Gerald Green is doing a whole lot more than just throwing down jams this season. The veteran journeyman is averaging a career-high 13.9 points per game for the surprising Suns and has already knocked in a career-best 104 three-pointers through Phoenix's first 44 games.

Green's impressive play, and past success at this event, makes him a deserving candidate for the Slam Dunk Contest.

If you aren't convinced that Green has what it takes to entertain the masses on All-Star weekend, ask MVP candidate Kevin Durant and review the tape of his triumph at the 2007 Slam Dunk Contest:

After all, who can forget the epic cupcake slam?  

Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers superstar Paul George likely would have won the Slam Dunk Contest if it were held during the Eastern Conference Finals last spring. 

The 23-year-old small forward put himself and the Pacers on the map with a ridiculous dunk against the Miami Heat in Game 2 that even LeBron had to respect.

It's unlikely that George would be able to get the Heat star to participate in New Orleans, but there's no doubt that he's got the athleticism and hops to make a splash in this event.

Not to mention his newfound star status would add a ton of credibility to the event. 

DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers

Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

Blake Griffin isn't the only superstar who makes his living above the rim in L.A. Teammate DeAndre Jordan has had his fair share of nasty dunks of late, including an iconic posterization of Brandon Knight last season. 

That dunk was heard around the world and signals that Jordan is ready for the 2014 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

According to NBA.com's Josh Cohen, Jordan has already been offered an invite to participate on All-Star weekend.

Let's hope he accepts. 

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