Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe has declared that he will not participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest scheduled for February 14 in Los Angeles. Despite his impressive dunking ability, which was on display during a recent game against the Indiana Pacers, Edgecombe confirmed that the popular event is not on his agenda.
The third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft put on a show last Monday, delivering an awe-inspiring dunk that left fans and players alike buzzing during a 113-104 victory over the Pacers. His performance electrified the crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena, where 18,005 spectators witnessed the highlight.
Edgecombe’s early career has been marked by spectacular plays, including not only thunderous dunks but also highlight-worthy blocks. In his first 37 games with the 76ers, he has built a reputation as a high-flyer and an impactful player on both ends of the court. However, when asked about the Slam Dunk Contest, he simply replied, “Yeah, I ain’t doing it,” expressing no desire to participate.
As of now, Edgecombe is averaging 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc. He ranks third among all rookies in scoring and has joined an elite group of first-year players this season who have scored at least 30 points in a game. His hustle has also shone through in defensive stats, as he leads the league in loose balls recovered (48) and is eighth among rookies for contested shots (147). Remarkably, he is one of only three rookies to score at least 20 points in four consecutive games this season.
While Edgecombe may skip the dunk contest, he is expected to shine in the Rising Stars Game on February 13, highlighting his ascent as one of the top newcomers in the league. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how his skill set continues to develop in the coming games.