On a list of the NBA’s memorable dunks, one is likely to find Michael Jordan and LeBron James with the former’s free-throw line dunk or King James’ Tomahawk. But they wouldn’t be the mighty for all. At least not for Zion Williamson, one of the most explosive dunkers himself, who also grew up watching the Chicago Bulls legend’s full games. Someone more creative, according to him, had to top the list.

In a recent video by ‘Overtime’, the New Orleans Pelicans power forward was asked the question about who he thinks would win in a slam dunk contest among Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Vince Carter and the 24-year-old was quick to answer this. “I would have to go with prime Vince because of the power and creativity he had on his dunks,” said Williamson during the interview.

Vince Carter’s dunks were indeed a sight to behold. His performances in the Slam Dunk Contest, particularly in 2000, are legendary. The ‘between-the-legs’ and the ‘360-degree windmill’ are louder examples of that. Not to forget the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, where he famously dunked over a 7-foot-2 Frédéric Weis. The French media referred to the dunk as the “dunk of death.”

Although Jordan has been the NBA Slam Dunk contest winner two times, which is one more than that of Carter, Williamson solely chose Carter because of his ability to come up with new dunk styles well evident. A few more would agree with the Pelicans star over there. “Nobody in any era doing the dunks kemp and Vince was doing in game,” Nick Young had opined a month ago. And just days before him, with a similar view, was Stephen A. Smith. “even before Kobe Bryant there’s a guy by the name of Vince Carter, the best in-game dunker in the history of basketball,” the ESPN analyst said.

So would Williamson, whose 52 dunks ESPN analyzed to reveal a 3% increase in winning rate, be able to best the Toronto Raptors star? He certainly thinks so.

When asked about where he would place himself in a dunk contest with Carter, the Pelicans power forward was quick to laud himself. “I’m going to Vince his respect, but I got to take myself, I got nothing but love and respect for Vince,” stated Williamson during the interview. Aged 24, he believes, he only has more to show.

Zion Williamson about his prowess in dunking

The Pelicans power forward has consistently wowed fans with his incredible athleticism and explosive dunks. In a recent interview, Williamson confidently stated that he has got a lot of dunk styles to show to the world and it’s hard to argue otherwise. “You know my dunk package is crazy. I just haven’t showcased it. So I think when I get back to America, I’m a start posting a few dunks just to remind people that I still got it,” stated the power forward during the interview.

With his combination of size, strength, and speed, Williamson is capable of performing dunks that seem almost superhuman. He’s known for his powerful one-handed slams, alley-oop finishes, and even some creative windmill dunks. However, back in the march, Williamson had also announced the only condition under which he would participate in the 2025 Dunk contest. “I gotta do my part and make the All-Star Game. If I’m in the All-Star Game, I’ll do the dunk contest. But if I’m not, I’m not doing it,” said the 24-year-old.

The potential for what Williamson can realize in the coming years as he refines his skills is very interesting. Because of his amazing dunking skills, he seems well-positioned to become one of the most dominating players in the NBA in the future.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.