New Orleans Pelicans: Power ranking Zion Williamson’s best dunks of the season

The hearts of NBA fans around the world probably sank when it was announced that Zion Williamson would not be competing in this year’s dunk contest.

Instead, the contest that has become one of the most anticipated events of all-star weekend will be headlined by Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers, Obi Toppin from the New York Knicks, and Cassius Stanley from the Indiana Pacers. It’s not a star-studded field and Williamson would have added plenty of pizazz in addition to his dunks, but it should still be a fun time.

However, I think that it is probably for the best that Williamson won’t be competing this year. His dunks deserve a crowd. Hopefully this doesn’t become a LeBron James scenario where Williamson never ends up competing in a dunk contest.

With the dunk contest right around the corner, I think it’s fitting that we take a stroll down memory lane—a short one at that, given how Williamson’s NBA career is just getting started—and take a look at the first time all-star’s eight best dunks so far this season.

8. Pelicans: Zion Williamson and NAW connect

Let’s start with something simple but effective.

For our first dunk, Nickeil Alexander-Walker connects with Zion on the lob for the flush. This is a play that the Pelicans have used often this season, with Williamson posting up, spinning off his man, and then inflicting damage around the basket.

In this case, Williamson dominates Frank Kaminsky before rising above the rim to finish emphatically off the Alexander-Walker assist.

The Pelicans won this game at home against the Phoenix Suns, with New Orleans’ first time all-star leading the way. Williamson finished with 28 points on 12-of-14 shooting and also pitched in with six assists of his own. It was a great way to start his incredible February.