Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe isn’t ducking attention, but he is ducking the Dunk Contest.
After Philadelphia’s recent win over the Indiana Pacers, the explosive rookie was asked whether he would accept an invite to the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the 2026 All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. His answer was blunt.
“Yeah, I ain’t doing it,” Edgecombe said.
When pressed for a reason, he doubled down: “Nah, I’m good. I’m good.”
A Highlight Dunk and a Hard No
The timing made the response jarring. Earlier that night, Edgecombe delivered one of the most replayed dunks of the young season, slicing down the lane and detonating a one-handed slam over Pacers center Tony Bradley. The moment sent the arena buzzing and lit up social media, another reminder of why Edgecombe’s vertical pop already ranks among the league’s best.
That athleticism has fueled a standout rookie year. Through the early stretch of the season, Edgecombe is averaging 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 37.7% from 3. He sits third among all rookies in scoring and has already joined a small group of first-year players with a 30-point outing.
Still, the 20-year-old is drawing a firm line between in-game explosiveness and made-for-TV spectacle.
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The Dunk Contest’s Bigger Problem
Edgecombe’s decision fits a familiar pattern. Over the past several years, many of the NBA’s most dynamic in-game dunkers have passed on the contest, contributing to a steady decline in buzz. Preparation demands, injury risk, and the pressure to outdo iconic past performances have all chipped away at participation.
To Edgecombe’s credit, the logic is sound. The young rookie has been thrusted into a major role for the Sixers early as he ranks third in the entire NBA in minutes per game (35.8) behind only Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen (36.0) and Los Angeles Lakers All-Star guard Luka Doncic (36.3).
With that many miles already on his legs along with the Sixers in the thick of a trying to solidify themselves in the Eastern Conference playoff race, the Dunk Contest is likely the last thing on his mind.
He’s also virtually guaranteed a spot in the NBA Rising Stars Game, where he’ll represent the Sixers alongside the league’s top rookies, sophomores, and select G-League standouts.
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He’s not alone, either. Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg recently echoed a similar sentiment, noting he views himself more as an in-game dunker than a contest showman.
For the NBA, Edgecombe’s “I’m good” response underscores a growing reality: fixing the Dunk Contest may require more than just hoping that a few of their young stars are feeling generous enough to participate. Without the right incentive, it’s just another chore in an already long and grueling 82-game regular season.
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