Ben Simmons trolled fans and media alike Saturday, telling the Philly Inquirer's Keith Pompey he intended to participate in this year's Slam Dunk Contest.
After a few minutes, the Philadelphia 76ers' point forward confessed he was only kidding and wouldn't partake in the event, according to Pompey.
It wouldn't have been outlandish to see Simmons participate in the spectacle, slated for Feb. 17. The 6-foot-10 point forward currently leads the 76ers with 84 dunks this season, ranking in 13th place in the league overall.
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, who was the runner-up to Simmons in last season's Rookie of the Year balloting, captured the Slam Dunk contest crown. Mitchell has already announced he won't defend his title, removing the possibility of a head-to-head duel between the young rivals.
So far, the field of dunkers for this year's event reportedly includes Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr., who participated last year, and Charlotte Hornets rookie Miles Bridges. The NBA has yet to officially confirm any participants, however.
