3 Washington Wizards we want to see in All-Star Weekend
By Ethan Smith
Dunk Contest: Gary Payton II
This one is obviously a homer pipedream, but so what. Gary Payton II would be fun in the dunk contest.
Since joining the Wizards back in December, Payton has been one of the more impressive guys on the roster. While he’s making his biggest impression on the defensive end, he makes some plays around the rim that are jaw-dropping. He might not be a leaper the caliber of Zach LaVine or Derrick Jones Jr, but he’s got some bounce.
Payton’s made more than a few cuts through traffic that could have resulted in easy layups. Instead, Payton – despite being relatively quiet and mild-mannered out on the court – put them home with some ferocious enthusiasm. And some style.
Honestly, it’s shocking to see him hammer some of these home when they look like such certain layups.
https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1223040901330554880?s=20
Plus, how cool of a story would that be. Son of a legend. Spent the first couple months of the season in the G-League. Now he’s on a full contract. And now he’s in the dunk contest?!
Narrative score: A+
If not Payton, then rookie Admiral Schofield has shown he can also put on a show around the rim with relative ease. He wouldn’t be a bad representative for D.C., either.