The excitement is building as Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson, and Jase Richardson gear up to showcase their aerial prowess in the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk contest during All-Star Saturday. The NBA recently unveiled the lineup for this high-flying event set to take place on February 14 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This annual competition is a highlight of NBA All-Star Saturday, kicking off at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
This year's Slam Dunk contest will witness a new champion being crowned, with all four participants making their debut appearances in this electrifying event. The field comprises two dynamic rookies, Carter Bryant and Jase Richardson. Bryant, a 6-6 forward, was the 14th overall pick by San Antonio in the 2025 NBA Draft, while Richardson, a 6-1 guard, was selected 25th overall by Orlando. Notably, Richardson is the son of two-time Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson, who clinched the title in 2002 and 2003.
Among the seasoned competitors is the 7-foot center, Jaxson Hayes, currently in his seventh NBA season and third stint with the Lakers. Additionally, Keshad Johnson, a 6-6 forward in his second NBA season, brings a blend of athleticism and finesse after a strong showing split between Miami and the Sioux Falls Skyforce last season.
The AT&T Slam Dunk spectacle operates with a two-round format, where judges score each dunk. In the initial round, all four players will attempt two dunks, and the total scores will determine the top two advancing to the final round. The finalists will then execute two additional dunks, with the cumulative score determining the ultimate winner.
Adding to the excitement, basketball legends Brent Barry, Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson, and Dominique Wilkins will grace the judging panel for the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk contest. Alongside this thrill, Team All-Star, Team Cameron, Team Harper, and Team Knicks will clash in the Kia Shooting Stars event, ensuring a night filled with elite basketball talent and entertainment.
NBA All-Star Saturday is a highly anticipated date on the NBA calendar, showcasing the league's stars in a series of skill-based competitions. This year's events promise to captivate fans worldwide, spanning from the adrenaline-fueled Slam Dunk contest to the precision of the Shooting Stars challenge.
Furthermore, NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles from February 13-15 encapsulates a celebration of basketball excellence. From the Rising Stars engaging with the NBA Reddit community to the State Farm 3-Point Contest and the Kia Shooting Stars extravaganza, the weekend is a premier showcase of the NBA's brightest talents and thrilling competitions.
As anticipation builds for the Slam Dunk contest, fans can expect an enthralling showdown as these young and dynamic players take center stage to leave their mark in basketball lore. With the stage set for a night of gravity-defying acrobatics and show-stopping performances, the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest promises to deliver jaw-dropping moments and unforgettable highlights.
