Nuggets' Smith to replace injured Gay in Slam Dunk Contest

Feb 11, 2009 - 12:59 AM PHOENIX (Ticker) -- Dwight Howard has a new competitor in his quest for a second consecutive Slam Dunk Contest title.

Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith was added to this year's competition on Tuesday, replacing injured Memphis forward Rudy Gay, who is suffering from a left hip flexor and will be unable to compete.

This will mark the second time in Smith's career that he has participated in the Slam Dunk Contest, finishing third behind winner Josh Smith and runner-up Amare Stoudemire while still a member of the New Orleans Hornets in his first appearance. His efforts included one dunk in which he wrapped the ball around his body and switched hands twice before delivering a one-handed slam.

This time around, he'll be competing against New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson - the 2006 champ - Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard Rudy Fernandez and reigning champion Howard of the Orlando Magic.

Gay, who was set to participate for the second year in a row, has been bothered by the hip injury recently and has missed the Grizzlies' last two games.