On March 9, 2025, amidst an appearance in New Orleans, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant once again demonstrated why his dunking ability captivates basketball fans worldwide. Known for his high-flying style, Morant has often found himself paying a physical price, including injuries, which at one point led him to vow to reduce his dunk attempts. Yet, during his Nike ‘Make Them Watch’ tour stop in China, Morant delivered a breathtaking reverse dunk that left onlookers awestruck and reignited heated debates about his potential participation in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Dunk Contest.
This stunning dunk, performed off the official NBA stage, not only showcased Morant’s remarkable athleticism but also amplified the longtime hope among fans and NBA circles that he could rescue the once-iconic dunk contest from its recent decline. His leap, with his head seemingly above the rim moments before slamming the ball down, shocked the basketball community and fueled urgent calls for him to enter the competition.
The Rising Demand From the NBA Community for Morant’s Participation
Within the NBA fandom and community, there is a growing consensus that few players possess the explosive talent that Ja Morant brings to the court, especially when it comes to dunking. His maneuver in China has intensified this sentiment, prompting supporters to implore him directly to compete in the dunk contest, which has seen a drop in spectacle and excitement in recent years.
As one fan bluntly stated,
Bro still won’t compete in the dunk contest,
while another urged,
make him compete in the dunk contest,
expressing frustration that despite his evident creativity and ability during regular games, Morant remains absent from the marquee event. The sentiment is clear: fans crave a revival of the dunk contest’s former glory, and Morant is widely seen as a figure capable of sparking that revival.
However, participation remains his choice, as NBA commissioner Adam Silver cannot compel players to join the event. Morant’s own terms have previously included financial incentives. In an interview with Bleacher Report, Morant remarked,
They give me a mill, I’ll go in the dunk contest,
exposing a pragmatic barrier that fans find increasingly tiresome.
Fans’ Frustration and the Pressure on Morant
The demand for Morant’s involvement borders on urgent frustration as viewers grow tired of unmet expectations and repeated teases. One fan implored,
GET YOU’RE A– IN THE SLAM DUNK CONTEST (PLEASE),
emphasizing the exasperation. Others hold out hope that the China dunk was a sign of his imminent commitment.
Though Morant has not formally declared his participation, he hinted at conditions such as the presence of fellow dunk contest stars as motivating factors, mentioning names like Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordon, and reigning champion Mac McClung as potential draws for his engagement. McClung’s performance last season, marked by a record number of perfect dunks, has raised the bar and intensified competition, potentially influencing Morant’s calculations.
Morant’s Role in Reviving the Dunk Contest’s Legacy
The NBA’s Dunk Contest, once a highlight of the All-Star weekend, has visibly waned in recent years due to a shortage of compelling dunkers. While McClung’s entrance brought new energy, fans now anxiously look to Morant as the catalyst who can restore excitement and relevance. His blend of creativity, athleticism, and game-time dunking ability positions him as a prime candidate to revive the event’s prestige.
Whether Morant will accept the challenge remains uncertain, but his China dunk and ongoing discourse signal that the basketball world is watching closely. The event’s survival may depend on his decision, and the anticipation only grows as fans continue to debate if he is the dunk contest’s long-awaited savior or just another tantalizing possibility that remains unfulfilled.