Zion Williamson gives one stipulation for competing in dunk contest
The NBA's Slam-Dunk Contest could get a much-needed boost next season...if Zion Williamson is named a 2025 All-Star.
Following a dominant 139-98 win over the Raptors, the Pelicans power forward set a goal for himself when discussing potentially participating in the dunk contest.
"I got to do my part and make the All-Star Game," said Williamson. "If I'm in the All-Star Game, I'll do the dunk contest. But if I'm not, I'm not doing it," he added.
Williamson has already made two All-Star teams, and it's only a matter of time before he makes his third. He's played at an All-Star level this season, but the Western Conference's depth squeezed him out of a spot on this year's roster.
Through 51 games, Williamson is averaging 22 points per game and a career-high 5.2 assists.
If he makes the All-Star team in 2025, he could make the dunk contest a must-see television event again.
The top event during the NBA's All-Star Saturday Night has lost its relevancy over the years as fewer big-name stars have signed up for it.
Jaylen Brown became the biggest name to participate in the contest in years at the 2024 event, but he had a largely forgettable performance.
Williamson is one of the league's most exciting in-game dunkers. His explosiveness is apparent on these leak-out lobs from Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado, where Williamson sneaks past the defense along the sideline before accelerating to the basket for the slam.
During Tuesday's win, he also had an incredible breakaway dunk after a steal, cocking the ball back before violently throwing it down.
That's a sampling of the high-flying acrobatics we could get at next year's dunk contest. With Williamson's admission, he may have earned himself a few extra All-Star votes in 2025.
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