Pelicans star Zion Williamson will do Slam Dunk Contest under one condition
For more than the last decade, the NBA Slam Dunk contest has lost its luster as one of the premier events at All-Star weekend. However, it could soon get the star power it desperately needs to get back to what it once was. New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson voiced after Tuesday’s win over the Toronto Raptors that he plans on participating in the event the next time that he earns an All-Star Game selection.
“If I’m in the All-Star Game, I’ll do the dunk contest,” Williamson said via ESPN. “But if I’m not, I’m not doing it.”
Want $250 to bet on NBA futures?
In his first five seasons, Williamson has earned two All-Star Game selections, with his most recent coming last season. The 23-year-old is putting together a strong campaign with the Pelicans. So far, he’s averaging 22.1 points and 5.1 assists, but didn’t earn that honor this year.
The Slam Dunk contest hasn’t had the same prestige that it once had with many of the game’s top stars electing not to participate.
Before Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown partook this year, DeAndre Jordan was the last then-current All-Star to do the event.
Read: Eagles Legendary Center Jason Kelce Announces Retirement
Williamson would be the biggest name the dunk contest has had since Blake Griffin. His presence could be what gets the ball rolling to get the big names or promising young talents to participate each year.
He’s one of the league’s most prolific dunkers who holds the potential to put together a strong performance on the Slam Dunk contest stage.
Ultimately, until star talent comes back to the event, there will remain criticism.
