The 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest will take center stage on Saturday, February 14, at 5 pm ET at Intuit Dome, California. The contest will be available on NBC and Peacock and this season, it will see all four players making their event debuts. The event includes two rookies- Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs and Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic.
While Bryant was selected 14th overall by the Spurs in the 2025 NBA Draft, Richardson was picked 25th overall by the Magic. Talking about the event, the contest will be executed in a two-round format with each dunk being scored by judges. The first round will see all four players attempting two dunks. The combined score will determine the top two players who will advance to the finale.
In the finals, each finalist will attempt two more dunks. At last, the one with the higher score will be determined the champion.
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The Los Angeles Lakers big man playing his seventh season in the league, Jaxson Hayes stands favorite to win the contest. Hayes offers high-rim protection and has been a frequent dunker this season at 72. Though centers haven’t done as well as compared to guards and forwards, Hayes’ recent stats and records give him an edge over others.
The explosive rookie of the San Antonio Spurs, picked 14th by the franchise in the 2025 NBA Draft, has a 39.5 inches vertical leap. This combined with his speed make him a highlight machine. Bryant has recorded 7 dunks in 362 minutes that he played this season. However, despite a modest number, the 20-year-old is a co-favorite to win due to his athletic profile. He is expected to deliver a few creative, high-flying dunks to give a tough fight to Hayes.
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson enters the contest with a 42-inch vertical leap. He has had nine dunks this season in 159 minutes thus far. Johnson has a raw bounce and we could see him delivering some powerful and underrated dunks. Despite a solid mid-range value, Johnson has the potential to surprise everyone at the contest.
The 25th overall pick at the 2025 NBA Draft is son of two-time AT&T Slam Dunk champion Jose Richardson. At a height of 6-foot-1 and vertical leap of 38 inches, Richardson brings speed, flair and potential intricate 360s. With just four dunks in the current season at 464 minutes, Richardson stands as the least favorite to win the contest. However, considering his family background, Richardson could offer creativity.
Key Factors and Predictions
Looking back at the past editions, it can be said that players bringing innovation, clean execution and the crowd together have been favored. Hayes has been favorite to come on top due to his size and the jams he has produced this season. Apart from him, Bryant comes with his rookie energy and athleticism. It could give a tight fight to the seven-year veteran. In addition, Johnson and Richardson are longshots who offer high-reward upside for creative dunks.
We think Bryant’s raw energy and athleticism gives him an edge, but it doesn’t mean that Hayes should be underestimated.
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Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.
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