Grizzlies star Ja Morant sends cryptic message during All-Star Weekend

Though Vince Williams Jr. took part in this past Friday's Rising Star's Challenge, for the first time in three years the Memphis Grizzlies had no players representing the franchise during the NBA's illustrious All-Star Game.

While it may not be surprising considering their core studs such as Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and, most notably, Ja Morant have been sidelined for substantial portions of the campaign, coupled with the fact that the team boasts a putrid overall record of 20-36, their lack of representatives was a rather daunting thing to witness during the festivities.

Presuming these aforementioned talents will be able to stave off suspensions and injuries, fans should expect to see the Grizzlies show face during next year's star-studded weekend and, with a recent post on his personal X (previously Twitter) account, there's now excitement about the idea of Morant not only partaking in the All-Star Game but also the Slam Dunk Contest.

Grizzlies star Ja Morant hints at interest in NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Back in 2021, Morant had been asked by Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks if he'd ever consider participating in the dunk contest, where he replied by saying that he'd only be willing to do it if he was paid $1 million.

Considering the prize for winning the event is $105,000, such a payout is almost certainly not in the realm of possibility and, in turn, neither is his future participation.

However, in response to a fan's plea on X for "somebody" to shell out such coin following this year's underwhelming affair, Morant issued a one-emoji message that may have people believing hope may still be alive.

Since entering the league back in 2019, the Grizzlies centerpiece has quickly become known as one of the most electrifying finishers the game has ever seen and has constantly displayed the eye-catching bounce and overall athleticism that drew comparisons to the likes of a prime Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook upon being drafted.

Over the last three seasons, Morant has averaged 26.7 points per game while converting on a whopping 67.4 percent of his attempts at the rim thanks, in large, to his stupendous dunking abilities.

Frankly, the Slam Dunk Contest hasn't been all that entertaining since Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon went head-to-head back in 2016 and, historically, has been an afterthought amid the festivities.

However, adding a guy like Morant to the equation would almost certainly rejuvenate fan interest, and former NBA legend Lou Williams recently noted that his ideal Slam Dunk Contest lineup would include "a healthy Zach LaVine back in it, I would like to see Aaron Gordon come back, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and Mac McClung."

Though extremely unlikely, the idea of such a collection of talents would have the makings of being an all-time great showing.