Resolution Criteria

The winner will be determined by the highest combined score from judges at the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest held on February 14, 2026. Five judges score each dunk on a scale of 40-50, with the two dunkers with the highest combined scores from their first two dunks advancing to the finals, where the highest composite score is crowned champion. Resolution will be verified via NBA.com or official broadcast coverage on NBC/Peacock.

Background

All four competitors are making their Slam Dunk Contest debuts, with two rookies: Carter Bryant (6-6 forward, 14th overall pick by San Antonio) and Jase Richardson (6-1 guard, 25th overall pick by Orlando). Richardson is the son of two-time Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson (2002 and 2003). Jaxson Hayes is a 7-foot center in his seventh NBA season and third with the Lakers. Keshad Johnson went undrafted in 2024 and signed a two-way deal with Miami.

Considerations

Carter Bryant is the favorite in this field, with the 6-foot-6 rookie taken 14th overall largely because of his explosive athleticism. Historically, taller players have struggled in this competition, with Dwight Howard being a notable exception. Hayes has one of five 100-style-score dunks this season, while Johnson has the farthest takeoff distance of anyone in the field.

This description was generated by AI.