Embiid will be absent from the NBA All-Star game due to a knee injury.
Joel Embiid wasn’t pleased with the judges at the Slam Dunk Contest. (via Open Source/X)
The injured star player of the Philadelphia 76ers and current NBA MVP expressed his opinion on the 2024 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Dissatisfaction arose among fans regarding the judging criteria, as the dunks consistently received low scores. Despite showcasing impressive aerial maneuvers, the judges remained unsatisfied with the contestants’ performances.
In this year’s contest, the reigning dunk champion faced off against representatives from the Miami Heat, the New York Knicks, and the Boston Celtics. Fans were eagerly anticipating McClung’s performance, given his reputation as a sensational dunker after 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”
The judges consistently gave scores below 50 to the contestants, resulting in McClung securing a second consecutive victory. Embiid humorously mocked the poor scores given by the judges, showcasing his wit. The standout player from the Sixers is undoubtedly capable of soaring above defenders and unleashing powerful dunks.
However, considering his injury history, there is a significant likelihood that he will choose not to participate in future Slam Dunk contests. According to Basketball Reference, Embiid has completed 466 dunks over his eight-year career.
To replace the injured Philadelphia 76ers star, Joel Embiid, as a starter in the NBA All-Star game, the Miami Heat center has been selected. Embiid will be absent from the game due to a knee injury that has been bothering him for the past few weeks.
Once again, the Milwaukee coach, who is set 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 in which he also triumphed in the skills competition at All-Star weekend and in 2023. He will be the seventh player representing the Heat to be an All-Star starter and the first since 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 season with the Heat and his first season as captain. None of his Heat teammates have ever finished a season with such impressive averages, with only two other players matching or surpassing those numbers in all five categories this season: Embiid and the Milwaukee All-Star forward.
According to the Source firstsportz.com