Keshad Johnson Steals the Show at NBA Dunk Contest, Introduces Himself to the League in Style
Saturday night was a familiar stage for Damian Lillard, who once again walked away with the 3-Point Contest crown. But while Lillard’s win was another chapter in a well-established All-Star Weekend legacy, the real breakout moment came from someone fans are just getting to know: Keshad Johnson.
The Miami Heat forward brought the house down with four jaw-dropping dunks to win the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, hoisting the Julius “Dr. J” Erving trophy after outdueling San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the final round.
And it wasn’t just the dunks - Johnson’s energy, charisma, and dance moves turned heads all night long. It was a star-making performance for a player who, until now, had flown mostly under the radar.
Who Is Keshad Johnson?
Johnson’s not a household name - yet - but he’s been quietly grinding his way into the league. A second-year forward for the Heat, the 24-year-old began his NBA journey undrafted in 2024 before landing a two-way deal with Miami. That hustle paid off in December 2024 when he earned a standard contract.
At 6-foot-7, Johnson brings explosive athleticism to the floor, which has earned him 21 appearances this season in a reserve role. While his minutes have been limited, his above-the-rim game clearly caught the attention of dunk contest organizers - and now, the basketball world at large.
College Roots: From San Diego State to Arizona
Before making his NBA debut, Johnson carved out a solid college career that spanned two programs. He played four years at San Diego State, where he helped lead the Aztecs to the Final Four in his senior season, averaging 7.7 points and 5 rebounds per game.
With one year of eligibility remaining, he transferred to Arizona, where he took his game up a notch. In his lone season with the Wildcats, Johnson averaged 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game - showcasing a more complete skill set that hinted at his NBA potential.
The Dunks That Won the Night
Johnson didn’t just win the Dunk Contest - he owned it. Each of his four dunks brought something different, and each one got the crowd louder.
He kicked things off with a bold statement: leaping over Bay Area hip-hop legend and Heat supporter E-40. One hand on the rapper’s head, the other palming the ball, and Johnson soared for a clean finish. It was part dunk, part performance art.
Next came a slick reverse jam that had just the right mix of finesse and flair - and of course, Johnson followed it up with a little dance, keeping the crowd engaged and the energy high.
But it was his third dunk that turned heads and earned the night’s top score. Johnson came from underneath the backboard, twisted mid-air, and threw down a between-the-legs slam that looked like it belonged in a video game.
He sealed the win with a running windmill from just inside the free-throw line - a dunk that combined power, precision, and perfect timing. It was enough to edge out Bryant in the final round and cement Johnson’s place in Dunk Contest lore.
What’s Next for Johnson?
While his role with the Heat remains limited, Johnson’s athleticism has never been in question - and now, neither is his ability to shine under the spotlight. In 37 career NBA appearances, he’s shown flashes of that same vertical explosiveness, even if the opportunities have been few and far between.
He’s currently playing on a two-year, $2.68 million deal with Miami, set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season. This year, his cap hit is just under $2 million - a bargain for a player who just gave the league one of its most electric All-Star moments.
Whether this performance leads to more minutes, more highlights, or even more opportunities down the line, one thing’s clear: Keshad Johnson has arrived. And if Saturday night was any indication, he’s just getting started.