The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has long been a highlight of All-Star Weekend, but in recent years, it seems to have lost some of its excitement. This trend continued in the 2024 edition of the event, which left many fans feeling underwhelmed. With just one dunk earning a perfect score of 50, the competition failed to deliver the high-flying excitement that fans have come to expect.
Even Joel Embiid, the star center for the Philadelphia 76ers and the reigning MVP, couldn’t hide his disappointment. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday night, Embiid didn’t mince words, expressing his belief that he could win the dunk contest with the low scores that were handed out. However, he also acknowledged the reality of his situation, humorously mentioning that his knees might not be up to the challenge.
I’m a professional hater but I’m not hating when I say I could win the dunk contest with these scores but not sure the knees would allow it lmao
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) February 18, 2024
Embiid’s comments were met with both amusement and sympathy from fans. His injury history, including a torn meniscus in his left knee, is well-known, and it’s clear that he prioritizes his long-term health over winning a dunk contest. Despite his joking tone, Embiid’s focus remains on performing at the highest level on the court and leading his team to success.
The lackluster nature of the Slam Dunk Contest has been a topic of discussion among NBA fans for some time. Many have called for changes to be made to the format or scoring system in order to inject new life into the event. While the dunk contest may not be at its peak right now, there’s still hope that it can regain its former glory with some adjustments in the future.
In the meantime, Embiid and other NBA players will continue to dazzle fans with their skills and athleticism on the court, whether it’s in the dunk contest or during regular games. And while winning the dunk contest may not be at the top of Embiid’s priority list, there’s no denying that he has his sights set on achieving greatness in the NBA, regardless of any setbacks he may face.
