Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Vows to Enter Future NBA Dunk Contest Under One Condition

The New Orleans star would like to showcase his high-flying talent.

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has lost a bit of its shine over the years, but one All-Star caliber player would like to help change that.

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is interested in participating in the annual event. But under one condition.

“I gotta do my part and make the All-Star Game,” Williamson said Tuesday after the Pelicans’ 138–98 win over the Toronto Raptors. “If I’m in the All-Star Game, I’ll do the dunk contest. But if not, I’m not doing it.”

Williamson has been named to two All-Star Games over his five-year career, in 2020-21 and again in 2022-23. He fell short this year despite averaging 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 30.6 minutes per contest.

The dunk contest certainly could use some star power. G League player Mac McClung is the event’s back-to-back reigning champion, but he has appeared in just four NBA games in his career.

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown entered the dunk contest in 2024 and finished in second place, but his performance was lackluster at best.

The dunk contest might never reach its pinnacle again, but featuring high-flying stars like Williamson certainly would help.