Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon weren't thrilled with what they saw during Saturday's NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Embiid threw some shade at this year's competition, claiming he could win the event if he wasn't nursing a knee injury.
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
Embiid has just 19 dunks this season and is known for being more of a powerful finisher than a high-flyer.
The judging panel of Dominique Wilkins, Fred Jones, Gary Payton, Mitch Richmond, and Darnell Hillman was subjected to criticism throughout the contest.
While Mac McClung captured his second straight Dunk Contest crown, the G League guard nearly missed the final round altogether.
McClung's opening dunk, which involved a mid-air pass to himself, only drew a score of 48, leaving his spot in the final round in doubt.
Meanwhile, Jaime Jaquez's dunk over Shaquille O'Neal received a lower score than Jaylen Brown's jam above YouTuber Kai Cenat, who was sitting down.
Gordon, who controversially finished second in 2020, couldn't help but weigh in.
I probably could’ve got second in this years dunk contest lol 😂
— Aaron Gordon (@Double0AG) February 18, 2024
Next year's All-Star festivities will take place in San Francisco at the Chase Center.
McClung didn't confirm if he'd take part in a third straight Dunk Contest but is open to the idea.
"I'd never say never but I have to think about it." 👀
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 18, 2024
Mac McMclung isn't ruling out a potential 3-peat for next year's #ATTSlamDunk Contest 🍿 pic.twitter.com/jJq5EwkzqN
