Jaden Ivey not interested in participating in Slam Dunk Contest
Detroit Pistons rookie Jaden Ivey is reportedly not interested in participating in the Slam Dunk Contest next month at All-Star Weekend, according to Mike Curtis of The Detroit News.
Ivey said that he hasn’t been formally asked to take part in the festivities, but would have declined the invitation in order to preserve himself for the second half of the season. Pistons teammate Hamidou Diallo, who won the contest in 2019, will also skip the event.
The fifth pick entered the league highly touted for his athleticism and ability as a dunker, which would have made him a good candidate to participate in the event. He will instead be a spectator this year.
Asked Ivey/Diallo if either of them were asked to compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Ivey said he hasn’t been asked, but wouldn’t do it anyway because he’s trying to preserve his legs.
Diallo said he’s been asked every year since he won in 2019, but declined the invitation.
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) January 9, 2023
Portland Trail Blazers rookie Shaedon Sharpe and Houston Rockets guard KJ Martin have each committed to participate in the event on Feb. 18 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They will likely be joined by at least two more players to be named at a later date.
New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin won the event last year after out-dunking Cole Anthony, Jalen Green and Juan Toscano-Anderson in Cleveland, Ohio. Green could be a candidate to participate again. He expressed interest in doing so after losing last year.
Voting for the All-Star Game runs through Saturday, Jan. 21.
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