Four NBA first-timers are preparing to wow fans tonight at the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest. The competition features Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson, and Jase Richardson, all making their debut on the contest stage. These young talents will compete tonight at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Event Time: Saturday, February 14 at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)
- Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
- Broadcast: NBC and Peacock live coverage
- Favorite: Carter Bryant of the Spurs at +180 odds via FanDuel
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This year marks a historic moment for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, as all four competitors are making their first-ever appearance in the event. The 2026 field represents a new generation of high-flyers ready to showcase their athleticism and creativity. These are exciting, unexpected choices that signal a shift in the contest’s direction toward emerging talent.
Mac McClung, the previous champion who dominated contests for three consecutive years, chose not to defend his title. This opened the door for fresh, hungry competitors to make their mark on one of basketball’s most electrifying stages.
Meet the Four Competing Dunkers Tonight
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Carter Bryant, the San Antonio Spurs rookie, entered the league as the 14th overall pick in 2025. His 39.5-inch vertical leap and explosive athleticism make him a legitimate threat. Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers is a known lob threat who thrives on alley-oops from Luka Doncic. Keshad Johnson represents the Miami Heat, while Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic is seeking to make an immediate impact as well.
The interesting dynamic is the mix of seasoned bench contributors and true rookies. Hayes and Johnson bring NBA experience, while Bryant and Richardson are fresh faces hoping to announce their arrival in style.
The Competitors and Their Strengths
| Competitor | Team | Key Strength |
| Carter Bryant | San Antonio Spurs | 39.5-inch vertical, explosive athleticism |
| Jaxson Hayes | Los Angeles Lakers | Elite lob threat, above-the-rim ability |
| Keshad Johnson | Miami Heat | Reliable dunk threat, consistent athleticism |
| Jase Richardson | Orlando Magic | Guard athleticism, creative potential |
The format features two rounds of competition, with two dunks per player in each round. Contestants have 90 seconds to complete each dunk attempt. Legendary judges including Brent Barry, Dwight Howard, and Dominique Wilkins will score the performances.
“The field for the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest will do nothing to dispel the notion that this event struggles to attract basketball’s biggest names. Yet these four first-timers represent something refreshingly different.”
— Sources from dunk contest coverage
Why Carter Bryant Leads the Odds
Sportsbooks favor Carter Bryant to capture the title tonight. Bryant boasts the highest odds at +180, making him the clear consensus favorite. Jaxson Hayes follows closely behind at +250. Bryant’s combination of size, athleticism, and hops gives him a structural advantage in the dunking competition.
The Spurs rookie has been quietly putting on shows in limited minutes this season. His explosive first step and vertical acrobatics suggest he could deliver some truly jaw-dropping dunks. National experts believe Bryant has the tools to potentially dominate the contest format.
What Time Should You Tune In Tonight?
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest kicks off at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 14. West Coast viewers can catch the action at 2 p.m. PT. The contest is the final event of All-Star Saturday Night, which also features the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars competition. Will these four first-timers provide the electrifying performances fans have been craving?
Sources
- NBA.com – Official 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk event details and participant information
- CBS Sports – 2026 Slam Dunk contest odds, predictions, and expert analysis
- Yahoo Sports – All-Star Weekend 2026 preview and dunk contest field breakdown
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.