New Orleans Pelicans former All-Star Zion Williamson is willing to rejuvenate the Dunk Contest, but his participation comes with a caveat.
Despite knowing that his limitless dunk package would thrill viewers, Williamson wants more than his high-flying capabilities to be appreciated during next year’s NBA All-Star Weekend.
That’s why the former No. 1 overall pick promised that he’ll compete if he plays up to his standard.
That standard would feature him in the Sunday night festivity as well as the Saturday night event.
Zion Williamson’s Dunk Contest bid contingent on All-Star selection
Williamson declared that he’ll put his name down for the Dunk Contest if he’s selected as a 2025 All-Star, as NBA.com revealed (per the Associated Press).
“I’ve got to do my part and make the All-Star game,” Williamson said. “If I’m in the All-Star game, I’ll do the dunk contest. If I’m not, I’m not doing it.”
The Duke University product is playing well this season, but not as well as a year prior. His 22.4 points and 4.8 assists per game were not enough to earn him his third career All-Star nod.
That’s part and parcel of why he’s putting his individual play and winning a step above the dunk spectacle.
Williamson’s comments come as a double-edged sword to an NBA consumer base that desperately wants to see the supreme dunker bring the house down like Zach LaVine or Blake Griffin before him.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.
While reigning champion Mac McClung added life to the contest after a dry stretch, Williamson’s presence alone would generate Vince Carter-like buzz and bias.
An 18-year-old Williamson could have won the award out of high school, as seen in his incomparable Ballislife dunk mixtape:
Per ESPN, the one-and-done sensation cemented himself as one of the best dunkers of all-time before hitting the NBA in his freshman year at Duke:
Fahad Films compiled his legwork in the pros showing the 6-6, 285-pound forward’s unfathomable leaping ability at his size coupled with scary aggression and impressive range of motion.
His in-game arsenal alone would pick up 50s. The basketball world agrees:
Fortunately, Williamson is still playing efficiently. Should his health permit, there is much reason to believe his numbers will spike again next year and win over the fan vote.
If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.
