Fresh Faces, Family Ties, and High Flyers: 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday Set to Bring the Heat
The stage is set for one of the most entertaining nights on the NBA calendar - All-Star Saturday Night - and this year, it's all about new blood, big names, and a few familiar faces with deep basketball roots. The 2026 Slam Dunk Contest and the return of the Shooting Stars Challenge promise to deliver a mix of high-flying theatrics and feel-good nostalgia when the action tips off on February 14 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
Let’s break down what to expect from these two fan-favorite events.
AT&T Slam Dunk Contest: A New Champion Will Rise
For the first time in four years, the Slam Dunk Contest will crown a new champion. Mac McClung, who’s owned the event with three straight titles, has opted out of going for a fourth, opening the door for a fresh group of challengers to take flight.
Here’s who’s stepping up:
- Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs
- Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers
- Keshad Johnson, Miami Heat
- Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic
Every one of these guys brings something different to the table, but let’s start with the name that jumps off the page - Jase Richardson. At 6-foot-1, the Orlando rookie might be the smallest in the field, but don’t let that fool you.
He’s got bounce in his DNA. His father, Jason Richardson, was one of the most electric dunkers of the early 2000s, winning back-to-back contests in 2003 and 2004.
If Jase can channel even a fraction of that energy, he could easily become a fan favorite.
Then there’s Jaxson Hayes, the 7-footer from the Lakers who made headlines just weeks ago with a jaw-dropping between-the-legs dunk in live game action against the Bulls. That kind of creativity and confidence in-game bodes well for what he might bring to the contest.
If he pulls off something similar under the bright lights, he could become the first true seven-footer to ever win the event. Dwight Howard came close at 6’11”, but Hayes would be setting a new bar - literally and figuratively.
Carter Bryant and Keshad Johnson round out the group, each with their own athletic toolkits and highlight reels full of rim-rocking dunks. Bryant, a rising star with the Spurs, has shown flashes of elite leaping ability, while Johnson brings raw power and flair that could surprise a lot of fans.
No matter who takes home the trophy, one thing’s for sure: this year’s dunk contest is wide open - and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.
Kia Shooting Stars Challenge: A Nostalgic Return with a Twist
After an 11-year hiatus, the Shooting Stars Challenge is making its comeback - and it’s doing so with a fresh format that blends current talent, family connections, and NBA legends.
The event features four teams, each made up of two active players and one retired “Legend,” connected by a shared story or theme. Here’s the lineup:
- Team All-Star: Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Richard Hamilton
- Team Cameron: Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Kon Knueppel (Hornets), Corey Maggette
- Team Harper: Dylan Harper (Spurs), Ron Harper Jr. (Celtics), Ron Harper Sr.
- Team Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Allan Houston
Let’s start with Team Harper, which might just be the emotional centerpiece of the event. Five-time NBA champ Ron Harper is teaming up with both of his sons - Ron Jr. and Dylan - in what promises to be a heartwarming, full-circle moment. It’s rare to see a father and his two sons share the court in competition, and it’s the kind of story that transcends the game.
Team Knicks brings some serious firepower and a heavy dose of hometown pride. With All-Star guard Jalen Brunson and newly minted Knick Karl-Anthony Towns joining forces with former New York sharpshooter Allan Houston, this squad will have plenty of fans in the building - and maybe even the best shooting touch of the bunch.
Team All-Star is built around pedigree and potential. Richard Hamilton, a three-time All-Star and NBA champion, joins forces with rising star Scottie Barnes and Chet Holmgren, who’s making his first All-Star appearance this year. That trio has a nice balance of youth and experience, and don’t be surprised if they come out firing.
Then there’s Team Cameron, a nod to Duke University’s iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium. All three members - Johnson, Knueppel, and Maggette - played their college ball at Duke, and they’ll be looking to rep the Blue Devils with pride.
The format is simple but intense. Each team has 70 seconds to hit shots from seven designated spots on the court.
All four teams compete in the opening round, with the top two advancing to the final. It’s a fast-paced, high-pressure event that rewards chemistry and clutch shooting - and with these lineups, we’re bound to see some fireworks.
Final Thoughts
With a new wave of dunkers ready to make their mark and the Shooting Stars Challenge bringing back a beloved format with a few creative twists, All-Star Saturday 2026 is shaping up to be more than just a warm-up for Sunday’s main event. It’s a celebration of the past, present, and future of basketball - all under one roof.
So whether you’re tuning in for the jaw-dropping dunks, the family storylines, or just to see who’s got the coldest shooting stroke, this year’s All-Star Saturday promises to deliver. Buckle up - the show’s about to start.