Get ready for an epic NBA All-Star weekend! The Slam Dunk Contest, a true NBA treasure, is back with a bang. This event has created some of the league's most legendary moments, from Michael Jordan's iconic free-throw line dunk to the epic battles between Jordan and Dominique Wilkins. But here's where it gets controversial: the present state of the contest has left many fans disappointed, despite the efforts of stars like Jaylen Brown. Will 2026 be the year it regains its hype?
The 2026 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest: A New Chapter
The highly anticipated 2026 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest will take place on Saturday, February 14, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. It follows the 3-Point Contest and the return of the Shooting Stars competition, kicking off at 5:00 p.m. ET.
This year's field includes four young and talented players, two of whom are rookies. While the initial reaction has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment, don't underestimate the potential for an unexpected surprise.
Dunkers to Watch
- Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs; rookie)
- Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat)
- Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic; rookie)
The absence of three-time defending champion Mac McClung, who has decided to sit out this year, opens the door for a new champion. McClung, however, has promised to share his planned dunks on Twitter after the contest.
The Rookies
Jase Richardson, the son of two-time Slam Dunk Contest winner Jason Richardson, is one of the rookies to watch. Drafted 25th overall by the Magic, he follows in his father's footsteps. The other rookie, Carter Bryant, will also be looking to make a splash.
The Veterans
Jaxson Hayes, in his third season with the Lakers, brings experience to the contest. He's thrived in a backup role and has benefited from some impressive assists from LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Keshad Johnson, in his second NBA season, split his rookie year between Miami and the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat's G League affiliate.
The 3-Point Contest: A Battle of Sharpshooters
The 3-Point Contest is an integral part of All-Star Saturday, and this year's participants are sure to deliver an exciting display of precision shooting.
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
- Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Norman Powell (Miami Heat)
Last year, Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro took home the prize, beating out other sharpshooters like Darius Garland and Buddy Hield.
Judging the Contests: A Panel of Legends
The NBA has assembled a panel of judges that includes four former winners and NBA legends. Dominique Wilkins, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and two-time dunk contest winner, will be joined by fellow Hall of Famer Dwight Howard, who won the contest in 2008. Three-time winner Nate Robinson and Brent Barry complete the field.
Wilkins, known as "The Human Highlight Reel," is one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history. His legendary battles with Michael Jordan are the stuff of NBA folklore, and he's sure to bring that expertise to the judging panel.
The NBA has also announced that a fifth judge, a content creator, will be voted on by fans as the NBA ID member rep. The nominees are comedian Druski, NBA shooting coach Chris "Lethal Shooter" Matthews, and Dude Perfect co-founder Tyler Toney.
Rules of the Game
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest rules are designed to ensure a fair and exciting competition. Four dunkers will compete in a two-round format. Each judge will score each dunk from 40 to 50 points, and the average of these scores will be the individual dunk score. The two players with the highest scores advance to the final round.
In both rounds, each dunker has 90 seconds and a maximum of three attempts to complete a dunk. If they fail to complete the dunk within the time limit, they receive a final attempt. If they still don't make it, they get a score of 40 points.
Tiebreakers in the first round are decided by a vote from the judges, with the player receiving the most votes advancing. In the final round, a tiebreaker will be decided by a one-dunk dunk-off to crown the champion.
Previous Slam Dunk Champions
Here's a look at the last five winners of the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest:
- 2025 (San Francisco): Mac McClung (Magic)
- 2024 (Indianapolis): Mac McClung (Magic)
- 2023 (Utah): Mac McClung (76ers)
- 2022 (Cleveland): Obi Toppin (Knicks)
- 2021 (Atlanta): Anfernee Simons (Trail Blazers)
So, who do you think will take home the crown this year? Will it be one of the rookies, or will an experienced veteran reign supreme? And this is the part most people miss: the NBA All-Star weekend is about more than just the contests. It's a celebration of the game and its stars. So, get ready to enjoy the show, and don't forget to share your predictions and thoughts in the comments! Let's discuss and debate!
