Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Says He’ll Do Dunk Contest If He’s In All-Star Game

After the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Toronto Raptors last night (3/5), Zion Williamson told NBA reporters that he would do the Slam Dunk Contest if he’s in the All-Star Game. 

Williamson is a two-time All-Star. He didn’t make the All-Star team this season. 

"I gotta do my part and make the All-Star game. If I'm in the All-Star game, Ill do the dunk contest"

— Zion Williamson on participating in the Dunk Contest pic.twitter.com/0nmMmjB9iL

— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) March 6, 2024

Williamson is one of the most athletic players in the NBA. It would certainly be fun to watch him participate in the Slam Dunk Contest, which has been rather boring the past couple of years. 

During an interview with NBA reporter William Guillory of The Athletic, Williamson said “people don’t understand” how much he loves basketball. Williamson’s commitment to basketball has been questioned by many since he’s missed so many games since getting drafted by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke. 

“People don’t understand how much I really love this s—,” Williamson said. “I pour everything into doing my best for the team and for the people who support me in New Orleans. I get it. You can only go off the information that’s in front of you. But that’s the great thing about the opportunity we have the rest of the way. We get to write our own story.”

The Pelicans signed Williamson to a five-year, $197 million extension in July 2022. Williamson is averaging 22.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists this season while shooting 57.6% from the field and 68.7% from the free-throw line. 

The Pelicans are 37-25 on the season. They are in fifth place in the Western Conference standings. Williamson has never played in a postseason game. 

According to NBA reporter Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, the final three years of Williamson’s contract are not guaranteed since Williamson only played in 29 games last season. Williamson also missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a foot injury.