The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is starting to take shape, and two names are already locked in: Los Angeles Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant. Both players have accepted invitations to compete in the high-flying showcase during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, giving fans a glimpse of what could be a new wave of aerial artistry.
Hayes, the 7-foot center known for his bounce and flair around the rim, gave us a preview of what he’s bringing to the table with a jaw-dropping between-the-legs dunk on a fastbreak against the Bulls earlier this week. It was the kind of dunk that makes you sit up a little straighter on the couch - part power, part poetry, and all vertical.
Hayes is averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season, but his impact goes beyond the box score when he takes flight. With his size and athleticism, he brings a unique dynamic to the contest - a true rim-runner with hang time.
Joining him is Carter Bryant, the Spurs’ athletic rookie out of Arizona. Bryant has appeared in 37 games this season, averaging 2.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in just over eight minutes per contest.
While his role in San Antonio’s rotation has been limited, his athleticism is undeniable. Bryant's inclusion in the contest is a nod to his raw potential and bounce - the kind that could turn heads on a national stage.
For a young player looking to make a name for himself, the Dunk Contest can be a launching pad.
Notably absent from this year’s field is Mac McClung, the three-time defending Dunk Contest champion who electrified fans with his creativity and jaw-dropping hops in recent years. McClung won the event in each of the last three All-Star Weekends, becoming a fan favorite and a staple of the Saturday night festivities. But after a brief three-game stint with the Indiana Pacers, he was waived in November and won’t be participating this time around.
Even so, McClung’s legacy looms large. He turned the Dunk Contest into must-see TV again, and his absence opens the door for a new face to step into the spotlight. Whether Hayes’ size and flair or Bryant’s youthful explosiveness can fill that void remains to be seen - but there’s no doubt the opportunity is there.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend will be held February 13-15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California - the new home of the Clippers. The Dunk Contest is set for February 14, and it’ll be a key part of a weekend that’s already generating buzz. All-Star starters have been announced, and with a new game format on deck, the league is looking to keep the energy high.
So while the full Dunk Contest lineup isn’t finalized just yet, Hayes and Bryant are officially in - and they’ll be looking to make the most of their moment above the rim.