Victor Wembanyama, the French phenom, has earned a reputation as an unstoppable force at the rim. Displaying his unprecedented skills, the two-time All-Star dropped an insane dunk in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, Feb. 21.
When questioned about why he wasn’t in the 2026 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest despite boasting exceptional dunking skills, Wembanyama stated that he would eventually compete in the contest one day.
The NBA world went berserk at the prospect of a generational talent like Wembanyama entering the Dunk Contest, which has largely lost its sheen in recent years.
Victor Wembanyama’s Interest In All-Star Dunk Contest Has NBA World Buzzing
After delivering a highlight-reel dunk, Wemby has his sights set on a future NBA Slam Dunk Contest 😮
“I’ll be in the dunk contest one day.”
After delivering a highlight-reel dunk, Wemby has his sights set on a future NBA Slam Dunk Contest 😮 https://t.co/mTqCTYjlzD pic.twitter.com/1QYkb6G2s1
— NBA (@NBA) February 22, 2026
Alex Kennedy, Deputy Editor at PFSN, added: “I’ll be in the dunk contest one day.” – @wemby
“Victor Wembanyama is on a mission to save NBA All-Star Weekend one event at a time. 😅”
“I’ll be in the dunk contest one day.” – @wemby
Victor Wembanyama is on a mission to save NBA All-Star Weekend one event at a time. 😅 pic.twitter.com/jNAnegtx6c
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 22, 2026
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports wasn’t too enthusiastic though. He wrote:
“Victor Wembanyama says he’ll “be in the dunk contest one day.”
We’ve heard a lot of stars say this over the years. None have done it. We’ll see if Wemby is honest.”
Pratik Growth X page added:
“If Wemby joins the dunk contest, the league might actually be saved 😭🔥 We need that ASAP.”
Yahoo Sports official X page extended the sentiments posting:
“Wemby dunk contest is going to go crazy 😱”
Wemby dunk contest is going to go crazy 😱 pic.twitter.com/AacvL9qjDC
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 22, 2026
Mike J. Asti, managing editor at WV Sports Now posted:
“Want to save the Dunk Contest? Make Wemby do it.”
Want to save the Dunk Contest? Make Wemby do it. https://t.co/HQLxmn6poL
— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) February 22, 2026
Spurs Reporter, Dusty Garza took a dig at NBA not picking Wembanyama for the 2026 Dunk Contest:
“In what may be “news to Adam Silver,” Victor Wembanyama says he’ll be in the NBA Slam Dunk contest 🏆 one day. 👽🏀”
In what may be “news to Adam Silver,” Victor Wembanyama says he’ll be in the NBA Slam Dunk contest 🏆 one day. 👽🏀 pic.twitter.com/clY7w7J57A
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) February 22, 2026
Wembanyama, a former rookie of the year, participated in his second all-star contest this year in Feb. 2026.
He was picked as a starter for the first time in his three-year NBA career, leading Team World in the new USA vs. World format. More importantly, his energy on the court sparked the kind of interest that the All-Star Games have lacked in recent years.
The Dunk Contest, once the crown of the All-Star event, no longer remains the central attraction. But if Wembanyama does participate in the next dunk contest, the event might once again spark curiosity among NBA fans.
In any case, Wembanyama, who is posting 24.3 points per night, could play a major role in bringing back the glory days of the All-Star Games.
