The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has struggled to attract top-tier talent in recent years, with many leading players opting out of the event. This year’s competition in Phoenix featured several disappointing moments, including standard dunks by Jaxson Hayes, a tough fall by Jase Richardson, a time-running error by San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant, and peculiar celebration moves from champion Keshad Johnson. Amid this backdrop, Dylan Harper, a promising rookie for the Spurs, has hinted at possibly competing in the 2027 dunk contest, potentially bringing fresh excitement and recognition to the event.
During an appearance on the Cousins podcast with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, Harper was joined by his father, three-time NBA champion Ron Harper, and his brother Ron Harper Jr., who is currently with the Boston Celtics. In the conversation, Dylan suggested he could match many of the dunks his father performed in the 1987 and 1989 competitions but stopped short of committing to an immediate entry.
“I could do every dunk you did in that contest,”
Dylan told his father, referring to Ron Harper’s past dunk contest performances.
“[But] I’m not doing no dunk contest.”
“You don’t think you’re good enough?”
McGrady asked, trying to spark a response.
“No, I think I don’t got that many tricks,”
Dylan responded.
“[But] we could see in like a year. We could see next year.”
Comparing Dylan Harper’s Prospects with His Father’s Dunk Contest Legacy
Ron Harper made notable appearances in the NBA Slam Dunk Contests of the late 1980s as a Cleveland Cavaliers guard. In 1987, he executed a self-lob to a reverse jam along with a tap on the front rim before completing a reverse dunk, ultimately finishing fifth. His 1989 performance featured more difficulty, including a one-handed 360-degree statue of liberty dunk successfully made on his second try, followed by a self-lob with a high bounce before finishing with a forceful one-handed tomahawk slam.
Given the level of his father’s dunks, Dylan Harper faces a manageable challenge to raise the bar if he chooses to enter the dunk contest. Harper’s comments suggest he is aware of the need to develop a wider set of tricks, but the potential to inject new life and spectacle into the dunk competition is promising.
Potential Impact on the Future of the Dunk Contest
If Dylan Harper decides to compete in 2027, his involvement could help revive interest the dunk contest has been losing over recent years. His family’s heritage combined with his emerging skill set might attract fans seeking memorable moments that have become rare in recent contests. With the event hosted in Phoenix in 2027, there is an opportunity for Dylan to establish himself not only as a Spurs standout but also as a renewed highlight of this showcase.
The 2027 contest could mark a turning point, where younger players like Harper rebuild the dunk contest’s prestige and excitement, encouraging more prominent athletes to participate in future exhibitions. Until then, fans will be watching closely to see if Dylan can develop the tricks necessary to join the competition and possibly surpass his father’s memorable performances.
