The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Intuit Dome, coinciding with the NBA’s three-point shootout on All-Star Saturday. This event traditionally serves as the showstopper of the day, energizing fans ahead of the All-Star Game with high-flying displays of athleticism. Despite past excitement, recent contests have struggled to capture widespread enthusiasm, notably missing the presence of iconic dunkers.
Contestants and Notable Absences This Year
This year’s dunk competition features an entirely new roster with no returning veterans like Aaron Gordon or Zach LaVine, both of whom have been fan favorites in previous years. LaVine, who won the contest in consecutive years (2015 and 2016), will be absent along with Gordon, the crowd’s beloved underdog who has yet to claim the trophy despite his impressive performances.
The 2026 contenders include Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes, Heat’s Keshad Johnson, Spurs’ Carter Bryant, and Magic’s Jase Richardson. All are first-time participants united by remarkable athletic skills. Among them, Hayes and Bryant are considered leading candidates, while Richardson carries an added legacy as the son of Jason Richardson, a two-time slam dunk champion. Their participation brings intrigue to the contest, raising the question of whether these newcomers can reinvigorate the event.
Aaron Gordon’s Decision to Sit Out This Year
Aaron Gordon will not compete in the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest, marking another year without his spectacular contributions. Last year, Gordon hinted at a potential return after an appeal from Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who challenged him and LaVine to rejoin the competition following Mac McClung’s standout performances in recent years. However, Gordon has yet to commit, leaving fans to wonder if he will ever re-enter the dunk spotlight.
“The full NBA Slam Dunk Contest field has been announced: pic.twitter.com/TYO9sdICr2”
— Lakers Nation, via Twitter
Context and Anticipation for the Event
Mac McClung has carried much of the dunk contest’s excitement for the past three years, but even his efforts have not fully restored the event’s former prestige. The absence of legendary dunkers like Gordon and LaVine, who once made the competition a must-watch spectacle, contributes to the ongoing question of whether this year’s new generation can rise to the challenge and provide the fireworks the contest needs.
With the lineup focusing on athleticism and raw potential, the event could mark a turning point for the Slam Dunk Contest, either solidifying a fresh era or continuing its recent decline in fan appeal.
What This Means for the Future of the Dunk Contest
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest represents a significant moment for the event’s trajectory. Without established stars, the contest offers a platform for emerging talent to shape its future appeal and legacy. Should the rookies succeed in delivering memorable dunks, the contest may regain its status as a highlight of NBA All-Star festivities.
Meanwhile, the possibility of Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine returning remains a compelling factor. Their presence could once again elevate the contest to historic levels of excitement. Until then, the spotlight is on players like Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson, Carter Bryant, and Jase Richardson to carry the tradition forward and captivate basketball fans worldwide.
The full NBA Slam Dunk Contest field has been announced: pic.twitter.com/TYO9sdICr2
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 7, 2026
