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Indianapolis Hosts 2026 Slam Dunk Contest

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 2:42 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Texas, UNITED STATES

Setting the Stage: Indianapolis and the Contest's Legacy

Indianapolis, a city with a rich basketball tradition, will serve as the backdrop for this spectacle. Hosting the All-Star Weekend provides a platform to celebrate the sport's evolution, and the Slam Dunk Contest, arguably its most visually stunning event, is central to that celebration. The contest's origins trace back to 1984, born from a playful challenge between players and a desire to inject more excitement into All-Star Weekend. What started as a relatively simple exhibition quickly evolved into a platform for innovation, athleticism, and sheer showmanship.

Legends like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Zach LaVine have all etched their names into dunking history within this event. Jordan's iconic free-throw line dunk in 1988 remains a benchmark for creativity and execution. Wilkins and LaVine engaged in a thrilling rivalry, consistently raising the bar for aerial artistry. More recently, players like Aaron Gordon have captivated audiences with their power and complexity, though often leaving fans debating judging decisions.

The 2026 Contenders: A Look at the Rising Stars

This year's field is a blend of promising rookies and sophomores, each bringing a unique skillset and a burning desire to win. Here's a closer look at the six participants:

• Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers): Henderson, a highly touted prospect coming out of the G League Ignite program, is known for his explosive athleticism and confident approach to the game. His ability to attack the rim and finish with authority makes him a natural fit for the contest.
• Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons): Thompson, a dynamic two-way player, possesses incredible leaping ability and a knack for highlight-reel plays. His length and coordination suggest he could bring a unique visual element to his dunks.
• Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City Thunder): Wallace, a defensive specialist, has also displayed an underrated offensive game. While not the most naturally explosive athlete in the field, his creativity and ball-handling skills could lead to inventive dunks.
• Jarace Walker (Cleveland Cavaliers): Walker, a powerful forward with a strong frame, could focus on power dunks and imposing finishes. His ability to absorb contact while maintaining control could be a key asset.
• Ron Harper Jr. (Toronto Raptors): Harper Jr. is perhaps the most seasoned player in the field. Coming from a strong collegiate career where he was known for his dunking prowess, he's eager to translate that skill to the NBA stage. He represents a blend of technique and power.
• Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat): Jaquez Jr., known for his all-around game and basketball IQ, might surprise audiences with his creativity and ability to execute challenging dunks. He's a player who consistently finds ways to impact the game, and the dunk contest could provide another platform to showcase his versatility.

How the Contest Will Unfold: The Format Explained

The format remains consistent with tradition: each participant will perform three dunks in the first round. A panel of judges, comprised of former players and basketball personalities, will score each dunk on a scale of 1-10. The four athletes with the highest cumulative scores will advance to the final round. In the final round, each participant will again perform three dunks, with the highest total score determining the champion.

The pressure will be immense, and the margin for error will be slim. Dunkers will undoubtedly be pushing the boundaries of creativity and athleticism, attempting increasingly difficult and imaginative maneuvers. Expect a combination of classic dunks reimagined with modern flair, as well as entirely new creations designed to wow the judges and the audience.

Where to Watch: Tune in on ESPN The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN, offering viewers a front-row seat to all the action. With a new generation of stars ready to take flight, the 2026 contest promises to be an unforgettable night of athleticism, artistry, and excitement.