San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama teased his potential involvement in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest down the road.
The two-time All-Star threw down an impressive double-pump jam in Saturday’s 139-122 win over the Sacramento Kings. Asked why he didn’t take part in this year’s dunk contest, he said he’ll take part “one day.”
Those comments are far from definitive.
LeBron James famously got fans excited in 2009 when he said he was throwing his hat into the ring for the following season. James subsequently turned down the chance in 2010 and every year after that.
Big men are typically at a disadvantage in the Slam Dunk Contest. They don’t have the same hang time as shorter guards and forwards, so there’s only so much they can do in the air.
Wembanyama may be a exception because he’s so unique physically. Seeing his 7’4″ frame and 8-foot wingspan soar would also make for quite the visual.
For a lot of fans, the 22-year-old is probably the first choice in terms of building a dream four-man field.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards also jumps out — literally and figuratively.
The two-time All-NBA honoree has often been discussed as one of the players who could succeed James as the “face” of the league. He has also thrown down some highlight-reel dunks across his six seasonsl.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson replaced LeBron in a different respect. Whether he’d enter the dunk contest became an annual saga shortly after he entered the league, much as it had been for James.
In general, Williamson’s stock has dipped a bit. His profile remains big enough to where his inclusion would provide a shot in the arm for the biggest showpiece of All-Star Weekend.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson may not be a star on par with Edwards or Wembanyama, but he has a case to be considered one of the NBA’s best pure dunkers.
Aaron Gordon failed to win the Slam Dunk Contest in three tries, but his body of work stacks up well against anybody else who has taken part.
Johnson possesses a similar physical profile and could wow fans with his combination of power and leaping ability.