Tyrese Haliburton said a ‘Big No’ for the dunk contest. During the first day of the NBA All-Star week, the Indiana Pacers star joined in for a quick chat with the ESPN. The host referred to Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown’s effort to bring the All-Stars to the dunk contest and asked Haliburton if he would join the action.
In response, the Pacers star took NBA superstar LeBron James‘ route. The 4x NBA Champion hasn’t taken part in a single dunk contest in his 21-season-long career. Haliburton said, “No. Stop. I can barely dunk. If he (Brown) wants me to pass, I’ll be there for him.”
No dunk contest in Tyrese Haliburton's future:
"No. Stop. I can barely dunk!" pic.twitter.com/r2LWwFhAuG
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 17, 2024
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In the recent times, they were a lot of criticisms regarding the lack of participation of stars in the dunk contest. NBA legend Julius Erving A. K. A. DR. J even said, “The egos are not going to allow it… They don’t want to do anything to diminish the brand,” via Big Podcast with Shaq.
However, to put an end to this, Jaylen Brown came with an explosive statement. During his recent interaction with the reporters, he expressed why he wanted to be in the dunk contest and also urged other stars to participate, reported NewsWeek. He said, ” I think it’ll be fun. I wish there were more top players and athletes that decided to compete in the dunk contest.”
On the other hand, Tyrese Haliburton, who is amidst a busy stretch with the Pacers family. The 23-year-old who spearheads the Pacers seemed less interested in the dunk contest. Moreover, the star’s response slightly sided with LeBron James’ reason for not taking part in the contest. James revealed that it never was his personal goal.
Nevertheless, let’s find out about the participants for this edition’s dunk contest.
2024 NBA All-Star week – Dunk contest
On the second day of the NBA All-Star week, four stars lock their horns for the dunk contest. Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr., reigning dunk contest winner Mac McClung and Jacob Toppin.
A lot of eyes will be set on JB, as a star has finally returned to the event after several years. Hopefully, it turns out to be the beginning of something big in the coming years.
The 2024 AT&T Slam Dunk participants ⬇️#ATTSlamDunk pic.twitter.com/dfjaopOQ0I
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 8, 2024
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Who will win this year’s contest? Will McClung defend the title with his surprise moves, or will it be Brown? Only time will tell.
Watch This Story – NBA All-Star Weekend: Tyrese Haliburton Pulls Up in INDYCAR to Kick off Festivities
What do you make of Haliburton’s response to the dunk contest question? Let us know in the comments.
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