In recent years, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has been largely devoid of star players. New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson is open to changing that, but only as an All-Star.
Williamson, who is viewed as one of the most ferocious dunkers in the league, was asked by reporters earlier this week whether he would be open to participating in the dunk contest.
“If I’m in the All-Star Game, I’ll do the dunk contest,” Williamson said after a 139-98 win over the Toronto Raptors. “But if I’m not, I’m not doing it.”
Williamson has two All-Star selections since entering the league as the first overall selection in 2019. His most recent All-Star nod came in 2022–23, but he was unable to participate in the All-Star Weekend activities due to a hamstring injury.
Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown was the only player to take part in the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest while also being named an All-Star. Brown finished second to defending Slam Dunk champion Mac McClung.
“I think, ultimately, in this media era, some players are just afraid to get turned into a meme or whatever,” Brown said after. “I wanted to come out and have fun within it, and that’s what I did.”
