Slam Dunk Contest, NBA
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The NBA Showtime crew of Hall-of-Famers Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady — with 24 All-Star appearances between them — discussed what they’re excited about seeing this weekend, and how the events got their competitive drives flowing.
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest doesn’t have much star power in it, but it does feature a pair of rookies that are looking to make a name for themselves. Orlando
Isaiah “J.R.” Rider and Derrick Jones Jr., separated by more than two decades, have given UNLV two NBA Slam Dunk Contest champions. Rider claimed the crown in 1994 with his iconic “East Bay Funk Dunk,” while Jones Jr. soared to victory in 2020 [1] [2].
Hall of Famers Dominique Wilkins (who won the Slam Dunk contest in 1985 and ’90) and Dwight Howard (2008) lead the way, while three-time Slam Dunk contest winner Nate Robinson (’06, ’09, ’10) and Brent Barry (1996) round out the former NBA players who will serve as judges.