By Eric Jay SantosShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is set to take place on February 14. The league has yet to announce participants for the annual event, though a big change is set to come for the upcoming edition.
Three-time reigning champion Mac McClung announced that he will not be defending his title. He is the only player to three-peat in the Dunk Contest.
With the field wide open, fans and analysts online have proposed ideal fits for the contest. Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is someone who’s garnered a reputation for delivering captivating dunks.
In addition to being a renowned dunker, Johnson is making a serious case for an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve selection. This season, Johnson is averaging a career-high 23.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists over 43 games.
At media availability, Jameelah Johnson asked the Hawks star whether he would consider participating in the Dunk Contest.
“I don’t got no comment on that. No comment.”
...All-Stars Declining the Dunk Contest
For the past decade, the Dunk Contest has lacked participation from All-Star players. Since 2017, Jaylen Brown is the only All-Star to compete in the contest.
This decline in interest has trickled down NBA rosters, leading to an influx of G-League and rookie participants. The 2025 edition of the event featured McClung, Matas Buzeliz, Andre Jackson Jr., and Stephon Castle.
Although Johnson did not shut down the possibility of participating in the Dunk Contest, recent trends suggest that the 24-year-old would decline an invitation. After suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in January of 2025, he may choose to veer on the side of caution.
At 22-25, the Hawks hold the tenth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. On the brink of playoff contention, Atlanta should be looking toward its breakout star to perform during the second half of the NBA season.
In terms of the Dunk Contest, the official set of competitors are set to be announced within the next two weeks.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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