Milwaukee Bucks starting guard Andre Jackson Jr. had a rather underwhelming showing in the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night. And in his defense, so did two of the other participants. Indeed, the only one who seemed to have any fire or desire to win was Orlando Magic G-League star Mac McClung (a nephew of former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Seth McClung), who won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest for the third year in a row.
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Indeed, many NBA fans have grown bored with the current NBA All-Star Weekend format. The Slam Dunk Contest, especially, has caused many to become disillusioned with the festivities due to the lack of noteworthy stars. Most of the participants are little-known prospects that would not be at the All-Star Game if bigger names had not turned down the invitation to participate.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, last night and while in attendance, revealed on social media that he would be willing to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk contest if one particular star player does as well.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Do the NBA Slam Dunk Contest if Ja Morant Does It Too
Jan 25, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee
During McClung’s impressive showing, which included him jumping over a car, tapping the ball on the rim, and then completing a dunk, Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant posted the following on X (formerly Twitter):
Heat @ Mavericks – NBA Game Preview for February 13, 2025 08:30 PM EST
Giannis quoted the post, with the following message of his own:
There is no player in the NBA with more dunks this season than Giannis, and there are few with bigger star power behind their name. Indeed, the Greek Freak participating in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest could help generate more interest in the event.
Giannis did follow up with how long it would take him to prepare:
Of course, the NBA would most likely love it if Giannis were to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest. It would make the event more relevant and interesting than it has been for years.
That being said, there is one factor that the two-time NBA MVP has to consider: his health.
As fans know, Giannis is not participating in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday after being the leading vote-getter in the entire NBA. This is due to a calf strain that has forced him to miss Milwaukee’s last several games. While the team is hopeful that he will be able to return after the All-Star Break, that has not been guaranteed.
If he is going to help bring the NBA Slam Dunk Contest back to its former credibility, he has to stay healthy for his team first. And, of course, he knows this.
Still, the thought of Giannis competing against Morant in the event is very intriguing.
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