Anthony Edwards may be one of the most electrifying dunkers in the NBA, but don’t expect to see him in the Slam Dunk Contest anytime soon. The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar made it clear that he has no plans to participate in the event, citing a lack of creativity when it comes to dunking tricks.
Speaking to MARCA, Edwards admitted he was highly impressed with the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest, particularly with San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle’s performance. However, when asked about the possibility of joining the contest in the future, he quickly shut down the idea.
I don’t have enough tricks for that,” Edwards said. “I can dunk in-game all day, but doing all those creative dunks? That’s not really my thing.
An In-Game Dunker, Not a Contest Dunker
While Edwards may not see himself as a Slam Dunk Contest participant, his in-game dunks tell a different story. The 22-year-old guard has built a reputation for his explosive athleticism and poster-worthy slams, often taking flight over defenders with ease. His ability to throw down powerful dunks in traffic has made him a fan favorite, but he believes that type of dunking doesn’t necessarily translate to a contest setting.
Over the years, many elite in-game dunkers have opted out of the contest, citing similar reasons. Superstars like LeBron James and Ja Morant have also expressed hesitation, arguing that their dunking style is better suited for real-game situations rather than a judged competition.
Edwards Praises Stephon Castle’s Performance
Despite ruling himself out, Edwards had nothing but praise for this year’s contest and the young talent that participated. He singled out Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, who stole the show with his creativity and execution.
That kid is special,” Edwards said. “He put on a real show, and I respect that. It takes a different kind of skill to do what he did.
With Edwards choosing to stay on the sidelines, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest will have to continue without one of the league’s most explosive athletes. However, his admiration for the event and its participants shows that, even from afar, he still appreciates the spectacle.
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