Despite being regarded as one of the NBA’s most powerful and electrifying finishers, Zion Williamson has yet to appear in an NBA Slam Dunk Contest since entering the league. Still, his reputation in dunk contests was firmly established long before his professional career began. Zion famously won the 2018 McDonald’s All-American Slam Dunk Contest.
Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony believes Williamson’s participation could help revive excitement around the NBA dunk contest. Melo recently urged Zion to step onto the big stage and compete in the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest.
“Zion Williams. I like that. Let’s go,” Carmelo said. “I like that. Come on, Zion. I like that. Zion, this is your time to come back and put yourself back to where everybody wanted you to be at. You should be in this slam dunk contest.”
Melo lays out why it would benefit Zion Williamson to compete in the 2026 Dunk Contest. pic.twitter.com/4mM8Vx7JEP
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) January 7, 2026
“Everybody knows what you can do. Get these kids to look at Zion Williamson again. Because if Zion comes, somebody else is going to come. You might get John Moran. Let’s go. Sell your sneaker. Sell your brand. Get out there on the big stage. Show them what you got. You are the guy that these kids want to see.”
Mac McClung won the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, making history by becoming the first player ever to secure three consecutive titles. Despite the achievement, fan excitement around the event remained limited, largely due to the absence of established NBA stars. This is exactly why Carmelo believes Zion’s involvement could help reignite interest in the competition.
Jeff Teague Floats a Miami Trade Scenario for Zion Williamson
On the Club 520 Podcast, former NBA guard Jeff Teague proposed a potential new destination for Zion Williamson. Teague suggested that Miami could be an ideal landing spot and envisioned a trade involving Tyler Herro and Nikola Jovic.
“Miami. They’d have the discipline for him,” Teague said. “Get him back in playing shape. He’ll be on a diet and everything. They gotta keep Kel’el, gotta keep Bam, I’d give New Orleans Nikola Jovic a contract for sure, and Tyler Herro.”
Williamson joined the Pelicans after being selected first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke. Over the years, he has grown into a franchise cornerstone for New Orleans. This season, Zion is averaging 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
However, New Orleans’ struggles have been hard to ignore. The Pelicans currently sit at No. 15 in the Western Conference with an 8–30 record. The situation fuels speculation about whether a fresh start elsewhere could be best for Zion moving forward.
