Watch Dennis Smith Jr.'s five best dunks with the Mavs

Ever since he was in high school, Dennis Smith Jr. has always been able to dunk a basketball with ease.

Even when he was recovering from a torn ACL during his lone collegiate season at North Carolina State, he still was able to dominate around the rim.

Smith Jr.'s dunking prowess has continued during his first NBA season as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. In fact, he's put together such an impressive collection of slams that he received an invitation to the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.

The rookie-of-the-year candidate is the favorite to win the event, according to oddsmakers.

As Dallas fans eagerly anticipate Smith's foray into the contest (Saturday at 7 p.m. on TNT), here are his five best dunks so far this season.

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The other participants are Victor Oladipo (Pacers), Larry Nance Jr. (Cavs), and Donovan Mitchell (Jazz).

This story was originally published February 14, 2018 at 10:42 AM with the headline "Watch Dennis Smith Jr.'s five best dunks with the Mavs."