New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson recently expressed his willingness to participate in the NBA dunk contest if he secures a spot in the All-Star Game. The 23-year-old standout made this statement following an impressive performance in a resounding 139-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors, where he contributed 16 points in just 26 minutes of play.
Williamson, a former Duke University standout, has already been selected as an All-Star twice in his young career, earning the honor in 2021 and the previous season. Despite his notable achievements, he narrowly missed out on an All-Star nod this year, despite averaging 22.1 points and 5.1 assists per game for the Pelicans, who currently hold the fifth seed in the standings.
The dunk contest, a fan-favorite event during the NBA's All-Star Weekend, has faced challenges in attracting top-tier talent in recent years. Prior to Jaylen Brown's participation this year, DeAndre Jordan was the last active All-Star to take part in the competition.
Meanwhile, the reigning dunk contest champion is G League player Matt McClung, who clinched his second consecutive victory in the event just last month.
Williamson's potential involvement in the dunk contest could inject new excitement into the event and draw greater attention from fans and players alike. Should he secure a place in the All-Star Game, basketball enthusiasts may witness the electrifying dunks and athleticism that have become synonymous with Williamson's playing style.
