This week, Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. appeared on Get Up to discuss his team’s First Round elimination and a season as a whole. While the entire segment is worth watching, one statement was particularly interesting. Discussing face of the franchise Ja Morant, Pippen told the crew that his electrifying teammate “might” be in next year’s Slam Dunk Contest.
Asked if Morant has had any brow-raising dunks behind the scenes, Pippen says:
“He has crazy bounce.”
“Ja Morant said he might do the Dunk Contest next year, so I don’t want to spoil anything he’s done.”
Scotty Pippen Jr. shares what he’s learned playing with Ja, but he’s keeping Ja’s practice dunks to himself
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“He said he might do (the Dunk Contest) next year, so I don’t want to spoil anything he’s done.”
2026 Slam Dunk Contest Gets More Grizzlies Hype
Morant participating in the Slam Dunk Contest would do wonders for its popularity. Once one of the most exhilarating and anticipated events, it’s now a glorified side show. Instead of being treated to stars, the fans have only been able to root for lesser known players.
That’s not to take away from their athletic ability. In fact, the undrafted Mac McClung is now a three-time Slam Dunk champion. Nonetheless, the field has been watered down, lacking star power.
Highlight Years
For example:
- In 2014, former Washington Wizards star John Wall faced off against a field that included two now nine-time All-Stars in Damian Lillard and Paul George
- In 2015, Milwaukee Bucks face of the franchise Giannis Antetokounmpo was among a field that included two now two-time All-Stars in Victor Oladipo and Zach LaVine
- In 2016, LaVine went head-to-head with players like former Orlando Magic face of the franchise Aaron Gordon and former Detroit Pistons face of the franchise Andre Drummond
Since 2016, which is seen by many as the last great (or even the last true) Slam Dunk Contest, only three have featured at least two players who were All-Stars or the face of their franchise.
- In 2017, Gordon battled against first-time All-Star Andre Drummond. The other participants were Derrick Jones Jr. and Glenn Robinson III, the latter of whom won but is no longer in the NBA
- In 2018, an already dominant Donovan Mitchell took on Oladipo. The other participants were Larry Nance Jr. and Dennis Smith Jr., the former the son of the 1984 Slam Dunk champion and the latter going unsigned in 2024-25
- In 2020, Gordon returned to the contest to take on Dwight Howard, who was recently announced as a member of the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame class. They would compete against Jones Jr., who won, and Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton
Changing of the Guard
Five years later?
Fans are immensely disappointed by the players who have been named to the Slam Dunk Contest. Frankly, even the star players seem fed up. Shortly after McClung was named the victor of the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest, several took to social media to express their desire to take part in next year’s event.
That group included Morant, Antetokounmpo, LaVine, and Gordon.
Morant is the only one of the aforementioned players who has never taken part in the event. He’s also the one closest to his athletic prime, the others on the wrong side of 30. With that being said, it would be great to have other stars from his generation participate.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, a spectacular in-game dunker, has teased his interest. Minnesota Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards is another exemplary talent. Unfortunately, he’s said he doesn’t want to do the contest. However, Morant and others may convince him to change his mind.
Placing players like that against non-stars who are elite athletes could bring the Slam Dunk Contest back to life. That being said, The Thompson Twins, Amen and Ausar, would be fun to watch.
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