Get ready for an epic showdown as the NBA's 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest is set to take center stage! This highly anticipated event during All-Star Weekend promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The stage is set for a new generation of dunking legends to emerge, and you won't want to miss it!
The NBA has unveiled an exciting lineup for this year's contest, featuring four talented players making their debut appearances. Get to know these high-flying athletes:
- Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs): A first-round pick in 2025, known for his explosive athleticism that will surely leave you in awe.
- Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers): An elite lob finisher and one of the league's most frequent dunkers, ready to showcase his skills.
- Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat): A second-year forward with an impressive G League résumé, bringing his experience to the contest.
- Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic): A rookie guard and the son of a two-time dunk champion, Jason Richardson. Jase's participation adds an intriguing family legacy to the competition.
The format for the contest is a two-round battle. In the first round, each competitor will attempt two dunks, with judges selecting the top two scorers to advance. These finalists will then go head-to-head in the second round, performing two more dunks to determine the ultimate champion.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 14, as the dunk contest tips off at 5:00 PM ET. It's the third event of the night, following the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars competition. All-Star Weekend promises an action-packed schedule, but historically, the dunk contest steals the show. It's where legends are born and unforgettable moments are created.
Dating back to the ABA in 1976, won by the legendary Julius Erving, the dunk contest has evolved into an iconic NBA event. Larry Nance's victory in the first official NBA contest in 1984 set the stage for many memorable performances. From Michael Jordan's iconic free-throw-line dunk in 1988 to Vince Carter's legendary 2000 performance and the epic LaVine-vs-Gordon duel in 2016, these moments have shaped the contest's legacy.
But here's where it gets controversial... In recent years, Mac McClung has dominated the contest, achieving a three-peat from 2023 to 2025 and even scoring a perfect 100 in 2025. With a new champion guaranteed in 2026, the question arises: Can a rookie steal the spotlight, or will an established athlete like Jaxson Hayes deliver the night's defining moment?
Beyond the spectacular dunks, this event is a celebration of creativity, personality, and athletic innovation. For younger players, a breakout performance can elevate their national recognition overnight, sometimes surpassing the impact of regular-season play.
So, who will be the next dunking legend? Will it be one of the talented rookies, or will an experienced player take the crown? Tune in to find out! The NBA All-Star Saturday night festivities, including the dunk contest, will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Don't miss this opportunity to witness history in the making!
And this is the part most people miss... The dunk contest is more than just a competition; it's a showcase of the NBA's brightest stars and a platform for emerging talent. It's an event that transcends basketball, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. So, get ready to be inspired, and join the conversation! Who do you think will reign supreme in the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
