Are the Stars Returning to the Dunk Contest?
Ja Morant, the electrifying point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, seems ready to breathe new life into the NBA All-Star Weekend’s Dunk Contest. Inspired by G Leaguer Mac McClung’s spectacular three-peat in Saturday’s dunk contest, Morant took to social media to express his interest. Just minutes after McClung’s victory at the NBA’s All-Star Saturday night in San Francisco, Morant proclaimed his readiness to participate. His tweet sent ripples through the basketball community, reigniting hopes for a star-studded dunk contest.
Morant’s Outreach and Giannis’ Response
Not content with merely expressing his interest, Morant extended an invitation to fellow dunking virtuosos Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon. LaVine and Gordon, who put on a show of their own in the 2016 dunk contest, did not immediately respond. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA MVP and a dunking sensation in his own right, saw Morant’s tweet and expressed his willingness to join. Giannis made it clear, though, that his participation hinged on Morant’s commitment. The prospect of seeing Morant and Antetokounmpo, two of the game’s most dynamic players, in the same dunk contest has fans and experts alike salivating with anticipation.
The Recent Doldrums of the Dunk Contest
Despite McClung’s remarkable performances, the dunk contest has struggled to recapture its glory days. In recent years, the event has been marred by a lack of star power. Saturday’s contest, which featured G Leaguer McClung, Bucks role player Andre Jackson Jr., and rookies Stephon Castle and Matas Buzelis, was a testament to the contest’s current state. While these players are talented, they do not carry the star power needed to draw the attention and excitement of a broader audience.
A Blast from the Past
The dunk contest once featured some of the biggest names in basketball history. Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Julius Irving participated in the same contest, with Jordan and Wilkins facing off twice in memorable showdowns. Kobe Bryant won the contest in 1997, and Vince Carter delivered what is often considered the greatest performance in dunk contest history in 2000. However, the contest has seen a decline in star participation since the turn of the century. Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin, and Donovan Mitchell have added some shine, and LaVine and Gordon’s 2016 contest remains a highlight. But these are exceptions, and the star power has been notably absent since 2019, with winners like Hamidou Diallo, Derrick Jones Jr., Anfernee Simons, Obi Toppin, and McClung (three times) reigning supreme.
The Promise of a Star-Studded Showcase
The potential return of All-NBA players like Morant and Antetokounmpo to the dunk contest could herald a return to the glory days of the event. The inclusion of other superstars like Anthony Edwards would only add to the excitement. Imagine a contest where McClung, in pursuit of a historic four-peat, goes head-to-head with some of the NBA’s most explosive and dynamic players. This scenario could not only elevate the dunk contest but also make it a must-watch event for basketball fans around the world.
Don’t Tease Us, Ja and Giannis
While the prospect of seeing Morant and Antetokounmpo in the dunk contest is thrilling, there is a genuine concern that they might be teasing us. Fans have been let down before by promises of star participation that ultimately fell through. The NBA and its fans are counting on Morant and Antetokounmpo to follow through on their commitments. A star-studded dunk contest would not only be a spectacle of athleticism and creativity but also a significant boost to the All-Star Weekend’s overall appeal. Let’s hope that Morant and Antetokounmpo are serious about their intentions and that we will indeed see them take flight in the next dunk contest.
