The 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest is heading to the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, and for the first time in years, a new champion will be crowned.
With three-time champ Mac McClung stepping aside, the door is wide open for a new aerial king. All four participants are making the NBA Dunk Contest debuts in 2026, making for one of the most intriguing contests in recent years.
The NBA Dunk Contest has spent years searching for its next true star, and the 2026 field might finally deliver one. This year’s lineup blends youth, raw athleticism, and future star potential.
Let’s meet the 2026 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest participants.
Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic (+200)
Jase Richardson's dunk resume https://t.co/y7xx5TKFhD pic.twitter.com/kY6n9GErua
— bmp (@justanother_V) February 7, 2026
Jase has spent his rookie season in Orlando flashing the same “twitchy” explosion his father possessed. He has the chance to make the Richardsons the first father-son duo to both hold Dunk Contest trophies.
As the son of two-time Dunk Contest champion Jason Richardson, Jase has a literal lifetime of experience studying the mechanics of the perfect score.
A 6’1″ guard with a 38-inch vertical, Richardson’s height could actually work to his advantage in this contest. Smaller players tend to have a mechanical advantage and often receive higher scores in the dunk contest because their movements appear faster and more difficult to the naked eye.
Teammate Anthony Black believes that Richardson could surprise a lot of NBA fans with his dunk package. Plus, he’s already hinted at “remixing” one of his dad’s iconic between-the-legs slams.
Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs (+210)
Carter Bryant enters the competition as one of the most anticipated young athletes in the San Antonio Spurs organization. At 6’6″ with a 39.5-inch vertical, Bryant is a “defensive wing” by trade but a human highlight reel by choice. His length allows him to finish lobs that look like overthrows.
His rookie season has been defined by his ability to finish lobs at heights that few players in the league can reach, often playing with his head level with the rim.
Because he has a massive wingspan and elite leaping ability, he can execute dunks that look visually more impressive than those of smaller players, simply because he occupies so much space in the air.
For Bryant, this contest is a chance to step out of the shadow of his high-profile teammates and establish himself as the premier aerial threat of the 2026 class.
Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers (+250)
Historically, “big man” dunks struggle to get 50s because their height makes the rim look too close but it’s hard to count out the Lakers big man.
Hayes is one of the few 7-footers who can pull off an Eastbay in live game action.
At 7’0″, Hayes is one of the most mobile big men in the NBA but that could work against him in this competition. Only two players 6’10” or taller have ever won the NBA Dunk Contest — Larry Nance Sr. (6’10”, 1984) and Dwight Howard (6’11”, 2008).
If Hayes wins, he will be the first seven-footer to ever be crowned the NBA Dunk Contest champion.
Keshad Johnson, Miami Heat (+375)
Miami’s Keshad Johnson is a powerhouse dunker who relies on force and violence at the rim, which is effective in games but can sometimes lack the finesse required for a five-judge panel
Johnson is the most “unknown” name to casual fans. The second-year Heat forward went undrafted out of Arizona in 2024 and has played limited minutes in 37 career NBA games.
However, he’s shown off his impressive athleticism in the NBA G League.
If Bryant is “finesse,” Johnson is “violence.”
He attacks the rim with a ferocity that rattles the rim. Following the Derrick Jones Jr. blueprint, Johnson is a high-motor athlete who thrives on “second-jump” explosiveness.
Why the Rookies Will Rule the Night
While Hayes has the “home court” and Johnson has the power, the Dunk Contest is a storyteller’s game, and the rookies have the best scripts.
- Innovation over Reputation: Veterans often play it safe in the dunk contest with a tried and true but Bryant and Richardson are coming in with fresh bags. Bryant has spent his limited Spurs minutes testing the limits of his vertical, while Richardson has literally been training for this his entire life.
- The “Wow” Factor: Judges and fans at the Intuit Dome will be looking for the “Next Big Thing.” Both Bryant and Richardson are potential future stars who have the ability to pull off a dunk that receives a perfect score of 50. Carter’s combination of length and explosiveness gives him a special “wow” factor while Richardson’s family genes give him an added edge.
- The Stakes: For Hayes, this is a fun Saturday night. For the rookies, this is their first chance to make a name for themselves on the national stage.
2026 NBA Dunk Contest Prediction
Carter Bryant is a top-tier pick for the 2026 Dunk Contest thanks to his elite 40-inch vertical and 6’8″ frame. His explosive leaping ability and 7-foot wingspan give him a significant physical advantage over competitors like Jase Richardson and Jaxson Hayes. If he can match his raw power with enough creativity on the big stage, he has all the tools to bring the trophy back to San Antonio.
Best Bet: Carter Bryant (+210)
