76ers’ Joel Embiid confident he can win Dunk Contest, but there’s a problem
The Philadelphia star wasn’t impressed on Saturday night.
The 76ers center said on social media, “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 NBA Slam Dunk Contest was entertaining, but definitely didn’t have the pizzaz that some previous years have had. While there were several very impressive dunks, there wasn’t any one single dunk that blew everyone out of the water. McClung closed the contest by dunking over Shaquille O’Neal, one of multiple dunks by participants that involved jumping over another person. McClung’s dunk earned a perfect 50 from the judges.
The 76ers’ reigning MVP definitely wouldn’t be allowed to compete with his knees in the shape they’re in right now. Embiid underwent surgery on his left meniscus earlier this month and will be reevaluated in 2 to 3 weeks. There is still optimism that the injury has not ended his season.
Embiid’s health has been one of the foremost topics of discussion around the NBA since Philadelphia suddenly listed him as out for the Sixers’ Jan. 27 nationally televised clash against perennial MVP contender Nikola Jokić and the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets. The 76ers’ medical staff reportedly did not like what they saw from Embiid during the pre-game warmup, which led to his absence in Denver.
On the season, Embiid has averaged 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game for the 76ers.
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Tyrese Maxey Links With 76ers Legend at NBA All-Star Weekend
All weekend long, Tyrese Maxey is soaking in the moment. For the first time in his career, the former first-round pick out of Kentucky is an NBA All-Star.
While out in Indianapolis, Maxey met with Sixers legend Allen Iverson. The team caught the moment on camera when Maxey introduced members of his family to the Hall of Famer.
Since joining the Sixers, Maxey has had his fair share of comparisons to Iverson for multiple reasons. One, Maxey is a relentless worker and competitor, which is something Iverson would pride himself on throughout his career.
you never know who you’ll run into at #NBAAllStar! pic.twitter.com/wV3CQiZPWw
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 16, 2024
Two, Maxey is an undersized guard yet a fearless finisher in the paint. Despite being smaller than their competition, both Iverson and Maxey have proven that their height and frame wouldn’t stop them from attacking the basket at will.
On Sunday, Maxey will have the opportunity to showcase his talent on a different stage, joining the NBA’s most prominent players in Indiana. He becomes the latest Sixers guard to make the game after Ben Simmons collected his third appearance a few seasons ago.
For Maxey, he adds one All-Star nod to his resume, chasing Iverson, who was a regular in the big game with 11 appearances and two All-Star MVP honors.
Maxey joins the Eastern Conference All-Stars’ bench as the lone Sixers representative this season. While Joel Embiid was supposed to be playing alongside his teammate this year, a knee injury has him sidelined for at least several weeks.
Therefore, Maxey will represent the city of Philadelphia on his own in front of Iverson and the rest of the crowd out in Indiana.
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