NBA Legend Sets Challenge for Zion Williamson, Anthony Edwards

The NBA Dunk Contest has lost its luster over the last decade. Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine faced off nine years ago, and since then, the only "big names” to participate have been Victor Oladipo in 2018, a past-his-prime Dwight Howard in 2020 and Jaylen Brown in 2024.

2025's Dunk Contest was as lackluster as we've seen in recent memory for the casual NBA fan, featuring two rookies, Matas Buzelis and Stephon Castle; a G-League player in Mac McClung — now a three-time winner; and Andre Jackson Jr. Even if Buzelis and Castle continue to develop into star-caliber players, it wasn't a thrilling event.

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony has seen enough.

Anthony discussed the state of the Dunk Contest on his podcast, "7PM in Brooklyn," saying the league’s stars need to return to the event.

Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dunks against Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

"The Slam Dunk Contest used to be the s***,” Anthony said. “To me, we gotta get back to … you can only be in the Dunk Contest if you're an All-Star. Because that's part of the All-Star Weekend festivities. You have your Friday night, which is the rookies … and then they're done.”

He went on: “Saturday, it's primetime, it's showtime. The All-Stars should be participating in the 3-point contest, the dunk contest, even the skills challenge."

Anthony does have a plan to get the stars involved.

"We gotta get Ant(hony Edwards), Ja (Morant) and Zion (Williamson) ... I'm gonna do what I’ve got to do to get those guys."

"We gotta get Ant, Ja, and Zion [in the dunk contest] ... I'm gonna do what I gotta do to get those guys."

Melo is LOCKED IN on bringing the dunkers we want to see to NBA All-Star Saturday night 💯 pic.twitter.com/3sXVHcrpYv
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) August 1, 2025

Zion Williamson in the Dunk Contest

Anthony th discussed what it would take to land those kinds of players in the Dunk Contest, since money may not be the best motivator for someone already making $45-50 million per year. It would be harder to get older players involved, but younger stars like Williamson or Edwards could be enticed to do it under the right circumstances.

After the 2024 All-Star Weekend, Zion Williamson said he would only participate in the Dunk Contest if he were selected to the All-Star Game. He has made the All-Star Game twice in 2021 and 2023, but injuries have tanked his likelihood of making it into the game again.

In Williamson's last four seasons, he has only played 129 of a possible 328 games for the New Orleans Pelicans. Even if he's entering next season healthy, betting on him to stay healthy isn't a good one to make.

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Zion Williamson in the Dunk Contest

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