The legacy of the slam dunk in the NBA’s 2000s era was defined by electrifying performances, with Jason Richardson standing out as one of the premier dunkers by winning the contest in 2002 and 2003. Nearly two decades later, his son, Jase Richardson, a rookie guard for the Orlando Magic, is set to participate in the 2026 slam dunk contest, hoping to extend the family name’s influence on the event. As a first-round draft pick from last year, Jase enters a competition that is wide open and primed for a new star to emerge.
The initial roster included Jaxson Hayes from the Lakers and Carter Bryant, a promising rookie from the Spurs known for his explosive athleticism shown during his time at the University of Arizona. Pistons center Jalen Duren was scheduled to compete but withdrew due to injury, leaving Jase Richardson to take his place. Additionally, Keshad Johnson, now in his second year with the Miami Heat, rounds out this diverse field of dunkers.
Among this young group, Richardson’s pedigree stands out. With his father’s history of success in slam dunk contests and his own extraordinary leaping ability, he is seen as a strong contender. During a summer showcase, Jase’s verticality was on full display when he inadvertently dunked on a teammate—an impressive yet humorous moment captured by NBA Future Starts Now. This incident highlights the impressive athleticism Richardson inherited and the potential he carries forward in his own right.
The dunking talent runs deep in the Richardson family; Jase’s brother, Jaxon, has demonstrated similar explosive skills by replicating one of their father’s signature dunks from past contests. Jaxon, who is yet to decide which college program to join despite offers from five schools, continues this remarkable vertical lineage. For Jase, the upcoming contest represents a pivotal opportunity to bring further attention to the family name on the NBA’s biggest stage for dunkers.
Potential for Jase Richardson to Secure Orlando’s Third Dunk Contest Victory
Only two Orlando Magic players have ever captured the slam dunk contest crown: Dwight Howard and Mac McClung. Aaron Gordon, despite several attempts, was unable to overcome champions like Zach LaVine and Derrick Jones Jr. Jase Richardson now has the chance to become the third Magic player to win this coveted title. Throughout his tenure at Michigan State, Jase showcased remarkable dunking ability, and the contest provides the perfect platform to translate that skill to the professional level.
Social media clips have celebrated his impressive dunks, with highlights posted featuring Jase alongside other standout players like Jaxon Kohler, underscoring his reputation for dynamic play in college basketball. The current slate of contestants leaves the title open, especially with Mac McClung opting out of this year’s event, creating a vacuum for a new champion to rise. This contest offers a dramatic and tense moment for Jase to claim a third championship for the Magic franchise and continue the Richardson family’s slam dunk legacy.
Given the extraordinary talent gathered this year and the pressure of continuing a storied family tradition, the event promises to be intense and unpredictable.
As the contest approaches, anticipation builds, and the basketball world watches closely. The stage is set—now it is Jase Richardson’s moment to prove he can soar as high as his father did and carve his own name into the history of NBA dunk contests.
Jase Richardson is the 4th contestant in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest: "Let's do it I guess 🤣🤣🤣"
Jase Richardson
Jaxson Hayes
Carter Bryant
Keshad JohnsonJalen Duren withdrew from the event pic.twitter.com/WT6uXksl1O
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 7, 2026
