The 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest ended in controversy thanks to some suspect scoring from Dwyane Wade and the judges, and it looks like the outcome will impact which players decide to participate in future contests. For one, Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant claims you can totally forget about him competing next year.
Morant, who turned down an invite to compete in the 2020 contest, was active on twitter as the judges handed Aaron Gordon a 47 on his final dunk, essentially gifting the trophy to Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. in the process. As seen in the tweets embedded below, not only was Morant appalled by the scoring, but he insists he has no interest in getting involved in any future dunk contests - even if Zion Williamson is involved.
The 20-year old point guard has already put together quite the impressive in-game dunk highlight reel in just his first 48 NBA games. Unfortunately, it appears as though we'll have to settle for his in-game and pre-game dunks unless the NBA radically changes their Slam Dunk Contest system.
According to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, Morant initially decided not to participate in the 2020 event because he wanted to focus on "maintaining good health for the duration of the season." At the time, Morant hadn't ruled out competing in future contests but his feelings have certainly changed.
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Ja Morant’s Status For 2020 Dunk Contest Revealed
NBA gonna have to go back to the drawing board.
Memphis Grizzlies rookie point guard Ja Morant has captivated the league in the first half of the season with his dazzling ball-handling skills, sensational passes and rim-rocking dunks. Morant's explosive athleticism and extraordinary leaping ability made him a prime candidate to participate in the 2020 Slam Dunk Contest next month, but unfortunately fans will just have to settle for his in-game jams.
According to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, the 20-year old guard has decided not to participate and will instead focus on "maintaining good health for the duration of the season." That said, Morant hasn't ruled out competing in future contests.
The Grizzlies No. 2 overall pick has lived up to the hype through his first 35 NBA games, averaging 18 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists while leading Memphis to a 19-22 record which is good enough for eighth in the Western Conference.
As for the rest of the 2020 Dunk Contest invitees, it has been reported that Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. and Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard have both agreed to participate. However, Howard recently denied that he had signed on for his fourth Dunk Contest.
Two-time dunk champion Zach LaVine was the fourth invitee and his decision still has not been made. According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, LaVine is considering the invitation, and he'll be "more likely" to participate if he is selected to the Eastern Conference All Star team. The 24-year old high flyer captured the crown in 2015 and 2016 after outlasting Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon in dramatic fashion.
