Joel Embiid, the injured Philadelphia 76ers star and current NBA MVP, weighed in on the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Discontent brewed among fans over the judging criteria, with dunks consistently receiving low scores. Despite showcasing impressive aerial maneuvers, the judges remained dissatisfied with the contestants’ performances.
In this year’s contest, the reigning dunk champion, Mac McClung, faced off against Jaime Jaquez Jr. from the Miami Heat, Jacob Toppin representing the New York Knicks, and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics. Fans eagerly anticipated McClung’s performance, given his reputation as a sensational dunker following his victory last year.
As the contest unfolded, Joel Embiid took to Twitter to share his thoughts on this year’s dunk contest.
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 via X
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
The judges consistently awarded scores below 50 to the contestants, culminating in McClung securing a second consecutive victory. Embiid humorously mocked the dismal scores handed out by the judges, showcasing his wit. The Sixers’ standout is undoubtedly capable of soaring above defenders and unleashing powerful dunks.
However, considering his injury history, there’s a significant likelihood that he’ll opt out of future Slam Dunk contests. According to Basketball Reference, Embiid has amassed 466 dunks over his eight-year career.
Joel Embiid All-Star starting position replacement revealed
Miami Heat center, Bam Adebayo, has been selected to replace the injured Philadelphia 76ers star, Joel Embiid as an NBA All-Star game starter. Embiid will miss the game due to a knee injury that has been bothering him for the last few weeks.
Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat (Via Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)Once more, Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers, poised to lead the East team in the All-Star Game, solidified the selection. Adebayo secured his spot on the All-Star team this season as a reserve, selected by coaches, echoing his selection in 2020, a year he also triumphed in the skills competition at All-Star weekend and in 2023. He will be the seventh player to be an All-Star starter representing the Heat and the first since Dwyane Wade in 2016.
Adebayo is currently averaging 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1 block this season, marking his seventh with the Heat and his inaugural season as captain. None of his Heat teammates have ever concluded a season with such impressive averages, with only two other players matching or surpassing those numbers in all five categories this season: Embiid and Milwaukee All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
