With the NBA All-Star weekend fast approaching, the annual NBA Slam Dunk Contest remains to be one of the most highly-anticipated events of the festive weekend. Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons got everyone excited when he recently announced his intention to join the dunk contest, only to bring us all back down to earth by taking back his earlier statement.

According to Simmons, he was only joking and that he really had no plans of taking part in the dunk contest.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) drives against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers’ 2 important contract decisions amid free agency crunchMalik Brown ·
Featured image Kelly Oubre Jr
76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. makes $8.4 million contract decision ahead of free agencyDylan Fine ·
76ers' Guerschon Yabusele surrounded by money
Ascending Western Conference squad named Guerschon Yabusele suitorAbdullah Imran ·
VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome on the 76ers court
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers sign breakout bench piece to 3-year contract extensionAbdullah Imran ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) drives to the basket around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center.
VJ Edgecombe gets touching gesture from 76ers Daryl MoreyMatty Breisch ·

That's just too bad for basketball fans, as it would have been quite a prospect to see Simmons compete with some of the best dunkers in the league. He may not have a reputation as an in-your-face high-flier, but surely, he would have held his own against the best of them.

There is no word yet on the official list of participants in this year's edition of the famed dunk contest, but Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr. has already reportedly committed to joining in on the action. The Mavs sophomore stud was also a participant in last season's dunk contest, but was eliminated after the first round.

Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell came away with the dunk contest title last year, but he has already confirmed that he will not be defending his crown.

Despite refusing to make his debut in the dunk contest, an appearance from Simmons during the All-Star weekend is still likely. The 22-year-old has been outstanding for the Sixers this season, and odds are, he will get the nod to make his first All-Star team in the very near future.