Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown has officially expressed an interest in the prospect of returning to the NBA Dunk Contest.
Despite earning some criticism for his dunk performances, Brown is undeterred. He re-asserts his intention to participate in the contest next year, confirming it at Thursday’s practice at the United Center.
“If nobody else cares to do it, (expletive) it, I’ll do it again,” Brown said. “I don’t really care. People think like memes and stuff. But like I said, I think dunking is an art form. Obviously I think I got more in the tank than what I displayed. I think I could perform better. I had a great time.”
Jaylen Brown says he’s willing to do the dunk contest again
“If they ask me and nobody else cares to do it, f*ck it, I’ll do it again.” 👀
(Via @JaredWeissNBA ) pic.twitter.com/N0cfv6LxOg
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 22, 2024
Brown has articulated extensively about his belief that dunking is more than athleticism; it’s an “art form” that invites creative expressions.
Such an approach got translated into the props Brown chose for his dunks, each carrying a symbolic tribute.
Among them were references to late Terrence Clark and Indiana’s legendary Michael Jackson.
Although Brown acknowledged some viewers struggled to understand his representative undertones, he maintained his determination to infuse his performances with an artistic streak.
Following this year’s artistic display, Brown is already contemplating innovative ideas for next season’s dunk contest. He aims to add even more artistic styles to his performance.
The spotlight of All-Star weekend was somewhat stolen by G-League guard, Mac McClung, who clinched the dunk contest title for the second time in a row.
Brown, while enjoying the spectacle, has his sights decidedly set on outshining McClung in their potential rematch.
The attention of the entire audience during a dunk contest provides a unique rush for participants.
Brown is eager to return to this spotlight and perform under basketball’s brightest lights.
Critics had initially expressed concerns about the physical toll the dunk contest could have on a player. Yet, Brown reported feeling fine post-event.
“I wasn’t trying to do anything crazy,” Brown said. “Everything I wanted to do was more about the gimmicks and the showmanship, put on a show.” But people didn’t really care about any of that stuff. They just wanted to see you go between the legs twice. I think the dunk contest should be more about the show, as well, putting on a show, the hype. But it’s changed from that. People only want to see a spectacular dunk.”
