Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren accepted an invitation on Tuesday to compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, according to ESPN reporter Shams Charania. The contest is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, a day before the NBA All-Star Game takes place at the same location.
Alongside Duren, Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Carter Bryant have also been announced as participants. The final fourth competitor has yet to be revealed, with notable absences shaping the lineup.
Absence of Defending Champion and Contest Format
Three-time defending Slam Dunk champion Mac McClung will not be participating in the 2026 contest. Marcus McClung, Mac’s father, shared last week that his son will not attempt a fourth consecutive title, as reported by ESPN’s Anthony Olivieri. Despite limited NBA experience, including only nine regular-season games and three this season with the Indiana Pacers, McClung has gained widespread popularity for his dunking skills.
With McClung out, the Slam Dunk Contest will feature three first-time entrants so far. This brings fresh excitement to the event as new talent steps forward to showcase their abilities.
Jalen Duren’s Slam Dunk Credentials and Current Season Performance
At 22 years old, Jalen Duren is already the most accomplished among the known participants, earning his first All-Star selection this season. He is averaging a career-best 18.0 points per game, along with 10.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists, helping the Pistons maintain a strong 36-12 record to lead the Eastern Conference.
Duren stands out as a powerful dunker, ranking fourth in the NBA this season with 111 dunks. He trails only Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Pistons guard Ausar Thompson in this category, highlighting his athleticism and scoring impact.
The Potential Historic Impact of a Duren Victory
If Duren wins the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest, he will become one of the tallest champions in the event’s history. His height of 6’10
“would tie him with Blake Griffin and Larry Nance as the second-tallest winners ever, behind only the 6’11”
Dwight Howard.
This distinction would further elevate Duren’s status as both a dominant center and crowd-pleasing dunker, adding a unique milestone to his promising career as he continues to make his mark in the NBA.
Detroit Pistons first time All-Star Jalen Duren has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest in Los Angeles, sources tell ESPN. Duren joins Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the contest field.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
