Jan 3, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks the ball during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Jordan finishes with 25 points. The Clippers defeated the Mavericks 119-112. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret DeAndre Jordan is one of the best NBA dunkers in the NBA. Combine his hops with his size and you get an intriguing combination at the rim.

But why won’t he take that talent and participate in the Dunk Contest for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game to prove that, not only is he one of the best dunkers in the league, but that he is the best creative dunker also? Well,

DeAndre Jordan wants to be in the All-Star game as a participant, not just as a dunker. So when NBA officials approached the Clippers’ center before Friday’s game about being in the dunk contest, Jordan told them what his true wish was. “I just told them I wanted to see what happens,” Jordan said. “I’m not trying to disrespect them. But I want to be in the All-Star game as a player and not just as a dunker. via Hedo Turkoglu sees opportunity for a title | Los Angeles Times

Don’t shoot the messenger, but if Jordan is serious, he may as well have just declined the dunk contest request. He’s not making the All-Star game. This doesn’t mean Jordan hasn’t been good this season, as he’s averaging a career-high in minutes, points, rebounds, blocks and his defensive rating. He just isn’t good enough. There are too many quality bigs in the Western Conference for DAJ to squeeze in. His teammate Blake Griffin will likely start alongside Houston’s Dwight Howard which leaves NBA coaches to choose from Lamarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, Andrew Bogut, Serge Ibaka, Zach Randolph, Demarcus Cousins and so on and so forth.

If I was a better I’d put money on Jordan participating. Just being in the dunk contest, let alone winning it, will create a bigger buzz around the fifth year center. If he loses, it won’t kill how people judge him.

In the event that he doesn’t participate, we can just put this on loop until he chooses to do a dunk contest: