The Miami Heat have developed a reputation for discovering undrafted talent and helping players thrive, with Keshad Johnson standing out as their latest success story during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend. Johnson, representing the Heat, claimed victory in the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest by outdueling San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant, captivating audiences not only with his athleticism but also his unique style and personality.
Originating from Oakland, California, Johnson infused his performance with local flavor, incorporating Bay Area music icon E-40 and showcasing celebratory dances after his dunks. Participating in the highly publicized All-Star Saturday Night event marked a significant milestone in his career and allowed him to display his talents on a prestigious national stage.
“It’s a blessing from God just to be here and be able to showcase my God-given talent in my own way of art and everything,”
Johnson said in an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints.
I grew up watching dunk contests all my life. That was always my favorite part of All-Star Weekend. So to actually be a part of it and go through the weekend amongst the other greats and stars, I couldn’t ask for nothing better.
The Challenge of Revitalizing the Dunk Contest’s Interest
Despite the contest’s prestigious history, recent years have seen declines in enthusiasm from both NBA stars and fans. Many high-profile players tend to avoid the event, leaving less familiar names to carry the torch. In this environment, Johnson’s goal was to make his mark by delivering an unforgettable show infused with energy and creativity.
His pre-contest mindset focused on ensuring his performance left a lasting impression on viewers, seizing the moment as an opportunity to elevate his profile amidst diminished star participation. Johnson embraced the challenge with the intention of making him a household name.
“Just going out there and pretty much just making sure I leave a statement, making sure people know who I am after I leave the weekend. I’m one of the guys who, along with a lot of the fans, want to see a lot of the superstars in the dunk contest,”
Johnson explained.
For whatever reason why superstars. . .don’t go into the dunk contest, I don’t really know. I can’t really speak on that. Of course we all want to see those guys going through it.
“But I guess those guys like declining opportunity,”
he added.
As for me, I’m somebody that’s still trying to get myself on the radar and show people who I am. I can’t take a guess. I gotta show everybody who I am. I gotta take the opportunity and capitalize on it.
With the competition held immediately after the Super Bowl, Johnson noted the world’s heightened attention on basketball as another chance to gain visibility.
“The world is watching. The whole world is watching whether it’s just the general NBA public even fans that don’t know anything about basketball,”
he said.
Especially after the Super Bowl. Football is down and now it’s basketball.
From College Standout to Miami Heat Player
Keshad Johnson’s path to the NBA was unconventional. Despite starring at San Diego State during their run to the 2023 NCAA national championship and posting personal bests in his final collegiate season at Arizona, he went undrafted in 2024. Nevertheless, Miami quickly signed him to a two-way contract, impressed by his potential and work ethic.
Johnson excelled in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and at the California Classic, performances that earned him a standard NBA contract within two months. His understanding of ‘Heat Culture’—a team philosophy centered on hard work and selflessness—helped him thrive even without superstar status.
“I feel like I just got to embody ‘Heat Culture.’ I feel like I gotta show the coaches that they can trust me to go out there and do whatever it takes just to get my team the win,”
Johnson stated.
Everybody has a superstar. I’ve got to get in where I fit in and do whatever it takes.
Throughout his rookie season, Johnson appeared in 16 games, averaging just over six minutes per outing. This season, his playing time has increased slightly with 23 appearances at roughly seven minutes per game. His career averages across two seasons include 3.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, with shooting splits of 41.3 percent from the field, 32 percent from beyond the arc, and 65.4 percent from the charity stripe.
Johnson’s standout game thus far came late in his rookie year when he scored 17 points during a close loss to the Washington Wizards—demonstrating flashes of scoring ability beyond his limited minutes.
However, Miami’s coaching staff prioritizes effort and enthusiasm over raw statistics when evaluating him on the court.
“The coaching staff has asked for energy and effort,”
Johnson reported.
Energy and effort serves a lot. That’s who I am, that’s the identity I want to have. Somebody that serves energy and effort.
Balancing Between the Heat and the G League
Johnson’s journey has frequently involved assignments to the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he has logged significant minutes refining his game. Even after securing a standard contract, he has continued shuttling between the NBA and G League to maintain readiness and maximize development.
This season with Sioux Falls, Johnson has showcased his all-around skills by averaging 21.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, while shooting efficiently—54.2 percent from the field and an impressive 51.6 percent from three-point range. Despite a lower free-throw percentage at 57.1 percent, these stats underscore his capacity to excel when granted extended playing time.
Johnson understands the unpredictable nature of being a young player on the fringes of an NBA roster and emphasizes the importance of constant preparedness.
“Within my journey, I gotta stay ready for anything that can happen. It’s a lot of unexpected things that can happen being in my position,”
he said.
So just stay ready through and throughout. You never know what tomorrow is going to bring or what’s going to happen. Going to the G League one day, then I could be playing in an NBA game the next day.
Determined to Prove Himself Against the Odds
Despite the obstacles of going undrafted and fluctuating between leagues, Johnson’s motivation remains unwavering. He is familiar with being overlooked, which fuels his desire to demonstrate his value.
“I’ve been motivated my whole life. I’m aware of the circumstances of my journey of being undrafted,”
he admitted.
I got a bigger point to prove. I’m aware of all of that, so I just got to go out there and show everybody who I am. I’ve been doing it my whole life, there’s no extra motivation. I just know what it takes. I know what I got to do.
Johnson’s performance at the All-Star Weekend dunk contest signifies more than just a win—it highlights his ability to create opportunities and make an impression on a grand stage. For the Miami Heat and their supporters, his journey embodies the team’s commitment to nurturing talent through dedication and teamwork. As the season progresses, Johnson’s continued development could lead to a larger role and greater impact in the NBA.
Behind the scenes footage of Keshad Johnson practicing for the dunk contest with E-40 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pHWikYzBCS
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) February 22, 2026
