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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest, once the highlight of All-Star Weekend, has lost its appeal in recent years, with lineups declining with each season. The Dunk Contest, which began in 1984 to highlight the league’s greatest talents, rapidly became a stage for superstars such as Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, and Dominique Wilkins to demonstrate their aerial flair. The competition was not simply a showcase of athleticism, but also a reflection of a player’s standing in the league.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

But in recent years none of the star players seem to participate in the Dunk contest. Due to that it has lost all its hype and appeal among the fans and is just another event in the All-Star weekend. However, on a podcast an NBA analyst suggested a way to revive the contest, which was the inclusion of Ja Morant.

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Ja Morant can bring back the glamour in the Dunk contest

On the podcast, Come and Talk 2 Me, Cam’ron Giles sat down with Ma$e, Treasure Wilson, and Maurice Clarett where they discussed the situation of the Dunk contest. They came to the conclusion that due to the unappealing roster of the contest, the fans do not have a reason to tap in and be excited about it. But then Cam’ron suggested a solution saying, “Imma put it out there right now and I don’t know if it’s gonna happen or not but he could bring it back and also bring other players back, Ja Morant next year in the dunk contest.”  

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He further added to that saying he has the power to revive the contest and also excitedly exclaimed, “If Ja Morant enters the dunk contest next year, I am watching the dunk contest. Cancel Christmas, I’ll be there early just let me know.” Ma$e even added some more names to the roster who can get the people excited like Zion Williamson, Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordan, and even mentioned LeBron James.

Despite being one of the best players of all time, LeBron James has opted out of the Dunk Contest, which has upset fans and analysts alike. And due to his absence, coupled with some other stars’ unwillingness to compete, the contest has lost its star power. But if rising stars like Morant and Williamson enter the contest, the NBA could revive interest and enthusiasm for one of its most historic games by highlighting the contest’s relevance in terms of legacy and excellence.

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Read More: Dwyane Wade Credits Ja Morant’s Mastery to NBA’s Weakening Basketball Tactic

So, with the perfect combination of star power, innovation, and athleticism, the Dunk Contest can fascinate spectators once again and restore its position as a must-see event during All-Star Weekend.

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Watch this Story: Is Ja Morant a More Impactful Leader Than Luka Doncic?

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Written by

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Dhruv Shastry

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Dhruv Shastry, an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, brings a wealth of hooping experience to his reporting. Despite contending with an ankle injury that curtailed his on-court endeavors, Dhruv remains at the forefront of his game, displaying an unparalleled understanding of basketball in every aspect as he draws inspiration from the legendary Kobe Bryant. Serving as a contributor to ES, Dhruv's journalistic focus extends to the lifestyle segment of basketball. His reporting involves analyzing sporting personalities, delving into their brand endorsements, tracking trades, and providing insights into their personal lives. With a breakthrough approach, he is not just a writer but a tactician in dissecting the intricate facets of the basketball world. Beyond the adrenaline of the game, Dhruv delves into writing, composing, and engineering music for global audiences.

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Bilal Handoo

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