Milwaukee Bucks two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is not participating in the NBA All-Star Game this weekend. This decision was made days ago due to a calf strain that has kept him out of Milwaukee’s last several games. However, as the NBA’s leading vote-getter for this year’s events, he is still in attendance.
Jan 4, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks over San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
As fans are well aware, NBA All-Star Weekend includes multiple events, including the Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest. Both events used to draw many viewers, but in recent years have lost their luster among viewers.
This is especially true of the Slam Dunk Contest, which was won by Orlando Magic two-way star Mac McClung for the third year in a row on Saturday night. Indeed, McClung was by far the most creative and exciting participant, putting on an individual performance so exciting he had the Bucks star contemplating entering the contest himself next year.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Was Fired Up About the NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Nov 23, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball against Charlotte Hornets in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone
During the NBA Slam Dunk contest, Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant posted on X (formerly Twitter) that his performance was so inspiring, it made him want to participate in the event next year. Giannis quoted Morant’s post with a commitment of his own:
Heat @ Mavericks – NBA Game Preview for February 13, 2025 08:30 PM EST
The notion of two of the biggest names in the NBA having the desire to participate in what has become one of the most unwatchable events in the league had fans hoping that maybe, just maybe, they might finally get a Slam Dunk Contest worthy of their time.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Jokes His Kids Made that Post
Oct 31, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) and guard Ja Morant (12) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas
Those hopes may need to be put on pause, though. During his media session prior to the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night, the Greek Freak backtracked on his post in the most Giannis-way possible: blaming his kids.
“I got hacked. My kids tweeted that,” Giannis joked. “They came next to my nightstand, took my phone out of my charger, went to their room, tweeted, and I found out this morning.”
Giannis has three children, none of whom are old enough to understand how social media works. His oldest, Liam, is just five years old. His daughter Eva, the youngest, is just one.
In other words, do not expect Giannis to be participating in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest next year. This, of course, may be just as well. He is not even playing in this year’s NBA All-Star Game due to injury. There is no reason for him to risk getting hurt in an event like that.
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