New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson lays out condition for 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest participation. What is it?

From his explosiveness to his unique set of physical attributes, the former Duke star is the kind of player who deserves that term that we don’t often apply to athletes without a lot of criteria being met: Prodigy.

Zion Williams lays out condition for Dunk Contest entry

If you caught Tuesday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors, one in which Zion Williamson almost broke the ring after a monstrous dunk, then you were likely reminded of something that many of us take as fact: Zion Williamson can dunk the ball. It’s with that idea in mind that many of us have always wondered what it would be like to see him in an NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Indeed, with All-Star Weekend having only recently passed, Williamson’s alley-oop on Tuesday simply stirred the pot. Naturally, folks have started wondering if they’re going to see the 23-year-old entering the contest anytime and believe it or not, he’s now answered the question.

Speaking post-game on Tuesday, Williamson made it clear that he would participate in the event next year, but on one condition. “I gotta do my part and make the All-Star Game,” Williamson said. “If I’m in the All-Star Game, I’ll do the Dunk Contest. But if I’m not, not doing it.”

The NBA’s All-Star Weekend has taken a hit

As you probably know, a lot has been said about the NBA’s exhibition event in recent years, with ratings taking a hit and the general excitement of it all progressively decreasing. Indeed, the Slam Dunk Contest itself has been one of the major culprits with less All-Stars participating with each passing year. Consider for a moment that the contest has been won by the same G League player for two years consecutively. What’s more, is that this year’s event was the first time since 2018 that we’ve seen an All-Star player participating i.e. Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics.

OK, but will Zion Williamson be there in 2025?

That’s an interesting question. On one side, it goes without saying that should it come to pass that Williamson does actually commit to the 2025 edition, it would do a whole lot of good for an event that has seen its fanfare wane significantly in recent years. On the other, as the man himself pointed out, he’s first got to do his part, which is to say be an All-Star. Where talent is concerned, there is no question that when healthy, Williamson is among the best in the league and quite frankly, still has room to improve. Yet, health is the biggest question when it comes to the Pelicans star.

Of course, aside from his fitness, there’s also the issue of his word. To be clear, Williamson has hinted at participating in the Dunk Contest before, but we’re yet to see that happen. Do recall that prior to his first All-Star appearance in 2021, Williamson had this to say about participating in the Dunk Contest: “Who knows? That’s all I can say,” Williamson said at the time. “Who knows? I might. You never know.” Ultimately, he did not take part, though it has to be said the event had a different vibe with the contest taking part during halftime of the All-Star Game itself due to covid-19 restrictions.

Be that as it may, there was also last year when he stated the following in an interview before the All-Star Game: “I’ll think about it,” he said. “I’ll put heavy consideration into doing the Dunk Contest. I feel like if I am going to do it, I’d probably do it next year.” As we know, Williamson was not selected for this year’s All-Star Game and subsequently was not in attendance when things tipped off in Indianapolis. Nonetheless, what we can say is that his most recent comments appear to be the most direct indication so far. We’ve got a condition and an admission of what he himself must do. Assuming he can stay Healthy, our bet is that an All-Star vote will be inevitable. As for the Dunk Contest participation, we can only wait and watch.