The NBA All-Star Weekend has kicked off in Los Angeles, bringing with it the return of the annual Slam Dunk Contest, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the weekend. This year, four dunkers, including three rookies, are set to compete for the crown, with Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs entering as the favorite to take home the trophy due to his explosive leaping ability and creative style.
Contestants and Their Chances in the 2026 Slam Dunk Competition
Following three consecutive titles won by Mac McClung, the 2026 contest features a fresh lineup with four participants: Carter Bryant (SAS), Jaxson Hayes (LAL), Keshad Johnson (MIA), and Jase Richardson (ORL). Bryant is the front-runner at +180 odds, while Hayes, the most experienced among the group as a sixth-year player, follows at +250. The other rookies, Johnson and Richardson, come in at +320 and +350, respectively, highlighting an intriguing mix of youth and potential that could revitalize the event’s excitement.
How the Dunk Contest Will Unfold
The format this year involves each competitor performing two dunks in the first round, where judges will score their efforts on a scale of 40 to 50. The top two scorers will then advance to the final round, where they will each perform two more dunks that will determine the overall winner based on combined scores.
The judging panel comprises respected former dunk champions and basketball legends: Nate Robinson, Dominique Wilkins, Brent Barry, and Dwight Howard. Audience engagement is enhanced by allowing fans to vote through the NBA app for each dunk, making the outcome one influenced by both professional critique and fan enthusiasm.
Profiles of the Dunk Contest Participants
Carter Bryant stands out as the most electrifying leaper in a field heavy with new talent. His impressive hang time and powerful dunks coupled with sufficient wingspan allow him to attempt visually stunning maneuvers like windmills and eastbays. His potential to bring a fresh and creative flair has made him the player to watch.
Spurs rookie Carter Bryant (+200) is the early favorite to win the Dunk Contest at All Star Weekend. pic.twitter.com/xbyitWYnOP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 12, 2026
Jaxson Hayes, despite being the tallest of the group, is considered the veteran due to his years in the league. Known for his in-game dunking ability, Hayes is formidable attacking the rim in straight drives. However, his vertical leap may not match that of his competitors, potentially limiting his performance on flashy dunks requiring great elevation.
Jaxson Hayes brings his above-the-rim game to the @ATT Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star, with AT&T connecting fans to every moment on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/D320iAG6tx
— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2026
Keshad Johnson is another rookie to keep an eye on, bringing a rare combination of size and explosiveness to the competition. His lengthy wingspan and ability to elevate while throwing down dunks position him as a legitimate threat. Despite less experience, his raw talent suggests he could deliver a spectacular display.
Keshad Johnson brings his explosive athleticism to the @ATT Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star, with AT&T connecting fans to every moment on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/DAu1738DAX
— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026
Lastly, Jase Richardson arrives as the underdog, carrying the legacy of his father, Jason Richardson, a two-time Dunk Contest winner. At 6-foot-1, he is the shortest competitor, a factor that has not historically prevented success in dunk contests, as previous winners like Mac McClung and Nate Robinson demonstrated. His background and heritage may provide an emotional edge to his performance.
Jase Richardson’s dunk resume https://t.co/y7xx5TKFhD pic.twitter.com/kY6n9GErua
— bmp (@justanother_V) February 7, 2026
What to Expect and Potential Outcomes for the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest
The Slam Dunk Contest is striving to recapture the dazzling spectacle that characterized its early 2000s heyday. This year’s unique mix of rookies and a veteran could inject renewed energy and innovation, testing athletic limits and creativity on the big stage. Reliable judging from four Hall of Famers and former dunk champions combined with fan votes adds complexity to the scoring dynamics, promising an intense competition.
While Carter Bryant holds the early edge with his athleticism and flair, and Jaxson Hayes brings experience and power, Keshad Johnson’s blend of size and leaping ability makes him a serious contender and a dark horse in this competition. The high stakes and varied skill sets mean fans should anticipate a thrilling display of aerial artistry.
Final Prediction: Keshad Johnson (+320)
Spurs rookie Carter Bryant (+200) is the early favorite to win the Dunk Contest at All Star Weekend. pic.twitter.com/xbyitWYnOP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 12, 2026
Jaxson Hayes brings his above-the-rim game to the @ATT Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star, with AT&T connecting fans to every moment on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/D320iAG6tx
— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2026
Keshad Johnson brings his explosive athleticism to the @ATT Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star, with AT&T connecting fans to every moment on and off the court. pic.twitter.com/DAu1738DAX
— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026
Jase Richardson's dunk resume https://t.co/y7xx5TKFhD pic.twitter.com/kY6n9GErua
— bmp (@justanother_V) February 7, 2026
