As we near the end of January, the anticipation to continues to build for next month’s NBA All-Star weekend. While much of the focus pertains to the players that will fill out the Eastern and Western Conference reserves, NBA fans are also trying to figure out who will be involved in the dunk contest on All-Star Saturday night. The anticipation for that contest is at an all-time high after Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon had a jaw-dropping performance in the prior year’s installment.

In an attempt to help recapture the magic from last year’s contest, the NBA has reportedly invited Phoenix Suns rookie Derrick Jones to compete in this year’s Slam Dunk competition. While he’s very unknwon in NBA circle, having played 8 minutes with Phoenix, Jones has been entertaining D-League fans throughout the season as a member of the Northern Arizona Suns.

During his time in the D-League, Jones has stood as one of the league’s more eye-popping prospects as he’s shown an ability to combine hard work with incredible athleticism. That pairing has pushed Jones to be a solid two-way player which is evident by him averaging 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game on 49% from the field.

While that versatility should be appealing to Suns executives, it’s his knack as a prolific dunker that has led Jones to the position that he’s currently in. In anticipation for his possible appearance in next month’s NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Ridiculous Upside would like to give five reasons why he belongs in that competition.

Number 5

Number 4

Number 3

Number 2

Number 1