Could Zion Williamson save the dunk contest?
New Orleans Pelicans’ standout Zion Williamson appears ready to inject new life into the NBA’s stagnant Slam Dunk contest, but he has a condition.
“I have to earn my spot in the All-Star Game. If I make it, then count me in for the dunk contest,” Williamson informed reporters on Tuesday, as reported by Pelicans Film Room. “But if I don’t, I won’t be participating.”
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Although Williamson has already participated in two All-Star Games, in 2021 and 2023, he was unable to play in the latter due to a hamstring injury.
The discussion arose following Williamson’s addition of two spectacular dunks to his impressive career highlights, culminating in a strong performance during Tuesday’s 139-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors, with a powerful transition dunk in the first half and an impressive alley-oop finish in the final quarter.
In recent years, the NBA’s dunk contest has taken a backseat to the Three-Point Contest. Last month’s event featured only two players with standard NBA contracts, and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics became the first All-Star to participate since 2018.