NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2024: Confirmed Participants & Details

The field is set for the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, promising a showcase of athleticism and creativity as part of All-Star Weekend festivities. This year’s contest will feature Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Keshaun Johnson of the Miami Heat, and Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic.

The competition, which follows the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest on Saturday night, is known for its ability to create lasting memories for fans. Legendary performances by Vince Carter, Michael Jordan, Zach LaVine, and Aaron Gordon have cemented the dunk contest’s place as a highlight of the NBA calendar. The event’s enduring appeal lies in the spectacular dunks, inventive maneuvers, and often, the clever use of props.

Notably, Detroit Pistons All-Star Jalen Duren was initially slated to participate but withdrew due to knee soreness, opening the door for the current quartet of competitors. This change underscores the physical demands of the contest and the importance of peak condition for participants.

The format of the contest will see each player perform two dunks in the first round. The two athletes with the highest combined scores from those initial attempts will advance to the final round. In the final, each of the remaining contestants will perform two additional dunks, with the highest cumulative score determining the champion.

Scoring will be determined by a panel of five judges. Four judges will assign scores ranging from 40 to 50 for each dunk. Adding a modern twist, fans with an NBA ID will be able to submit their votes through the NBA app. These fan votes will be aggregated into a single score, effectively acting as the fifth judge. The final score for each dunk will be the average of the five judges’ assessments.

While the 2026 contest features a fresh lineup of participants, the legacy of past champions looms large. Mac McClung, the reigning champion, captivated audiences in 2024 with a series of impressive dunks, including a 360 windmill and a double-pump backwards jam executed after grabbing the ball mid-air. He secured 19 out of 20 possible 50s from the judges, setting a high bar for this year’s competitors.

In the 2024 contest, McClung bested Jaylen Brown, Jaime Jacquez Jr., and Jacob Toppin. Brown, known for his athleticism, was considered a strong contender, but ultimately fell short of McClung’s innovative and technically challenging dunks. Jacquez and Toppin, while showcasing impressive highlight reels from previous amateur contests and the G-League respectively, were unable to match the level of performance displayed by the champion and runner-up.

The 2026 contest participants each bring unique strengths to the table. Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshaun Johnson, and Jase Richardson will be looking to establish themselves as the next standout performer in this celebrated NBA tradition. The competition promises to be a thrilling display of aerial artistry and athletic prowess.

The Slam Dunk Contest is more than just a competition. it’s a celebration of basketball’s most spectacular moves. It’s an event that consistently draws attention and generates excitement among fans, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of NBA All-Star Weekend. The anticipation surrounding the contest is a testament to its enduring appeal and the captivating nature of high-flying dunks.

The All-Star Saturday Night festivities, which include the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge, are scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. ET. The Slam Dunk Contest will be a key component of the evening’s entertainment, offering fans a thrilling spectacle of athleticism and creativity.