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[Saba Sports News] Ja Morant got hoops fans buzzing on Saturday with a simple message after Mac McClung’s third consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contest win.
McClung stole the spotlight during NBA All-Star Saturday Night with a series of never-before-seen slams at Chase Center in San Francisco. Even Morant—regarded as one of the league’s best in-game dunkers—was impressed by McClung’s performance.
While Morant’s comment hinted at possible participation, it’s far from a guarantee. There’s plenty of time before the NBA reveals next year’s list of dunk contest participants, and Morant could easily change his mind.
Still, the mere prospect of Morant joining the competition would be a huge win for the NBA. Though McClung’s dunking skills are exceptional, he’s not a household name beyond the All-Star event.
Fans have often criticized the league for fielding lesser-known participants in recent years, unlike decades past when stars like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Vince Carter, Julius Erving, and Kobe Bryant regularly joined the contest.
In the past decade and a half, athletic stars such as LeBron James, Zion Williamson, Anthony Edwards, and Morant have been noticeably absent, despite fans clamoring for their involvement. If Morant ultimately decides to compete, McClung could be the catalyst that revives interest in the dunk contest.