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2026 Dunk Contest: Rising Stars Take Center Stage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 18:21 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: CANADA, UNITED STATES

The Contenders: A Deep and Dynamic Field

The 2026 Dunk Contest boasts a remarkably deep and exciting lineup, eschewing the reliance on established veterans for a focus on rising stars. Let's break down the eight competitors:

• Scoot Henderson: Already known for his explosive athleticism and ability to finish strong at the rim, Henderson is considered by many to be the early favorite. His combination of speed, power, and ball-handling creates a unique canvas for creativity.
• Ron Harper Jr.: The son of NBA champion Ron Harper, Jr. carries a pedigree and a reputation for powerful, above-the-rim finishes. Expect him to bring a blend of classic power dunks and modern flair.
• Jaedon Hardy: A dynamic guard with a knack for creating separation, Hardy possesses the speed and agility to execute complex dunks. His finesse and improvisational skills could make him a dark horse contender.
• Anthony Edwards: While already an established All-Star, Edwards' participation signifies the NBA's desire to draw mainstream attention to the contest. Known for his confidence and showmanship, Edwards is expected to deliver dunks with both difficulty and charisma. He's already hinted at a few surprises on social media.
• Jalen Hood-Schifino: A rising star known for his unorthodox finishing moves and surprising leaping ability, Hood-Schifino is a wildcard who could pull off something truly unexpected.
• Isaiah Jackson: A powerful and athletic forward, Jackson is a natural dunker who excels in transition. He's expected to deliver a series of high-impact, physically imposing dunks. His raw power will be a major asset.
• Keyonte George: A smooth, crafty guard with a developing all-around game, George may be the most fundamentally sound dunker in the field. He's likely to focus on technical precision and clean execution.
• Emoni Bates: A highlight reel waiting to happen, Bates has been turning heads with his explosive dunks since his high school days. He represents a pure dunking specialist, capable of captivating the audience with sheer athleticism.

Judging the Heights: A Panel of Legends and Tacticians

The judging panel carries significant weight, and this year's lineup aims to strike a balance between historical perspective and current game understanding. Dominique Wilkins, a dunking icon himself, brings a wealth of experience and a critical eye for innovation. Chris Finch, the head coach of a prominent NBA team, offers a tactical perspective, evaluating the difficulty and execution of each dunk from a coach's standpoint. The identity of the third judge remains shrouded in mystery, adding an element of intrigue - speculation suggests it may be a former dunk contest champion. The scoring system will likely remain a blend of difficulty, creativity, and execution, with judges awarding scores out of 10 for each attempt.

A Revamped Format: Injecting New Life into the Contest

The NBA has acknowledged the need to revitalize the Dunk Contest, and this year's edition will feature a significant new element. While details have been tightly guarded, sources indicate a shift away from the traditional two-dunk per round format. Rumors suggest a tiered scoring system based on "levels" of difficulty, with dunkers able to unlock higher multipliers for more ambitious attempts. This should encourage competitors to push the boundaries of what's possible and reward true innovation. There's also talk of a 'challenge round' where competitors can attempt to recreate iconic dunks from NBA history, judged on accuracy and style. This could pay homage to past legends and test the competitors' ability to blend old-school flair with modern athleticism.

The qualifying rounds, implemented for the first time this year, were surprisingly competitive, forcing several established players to fight for a spot in the main event. This increased scrutiny has raised the overall skill level of the participants and heightened anticipation for the final showdown.

Beyond the dunks themselves, the NBA is hoping to create a more engaging experience for fans, with enhanced in-arena production and social media integration. Expect elaborate pre-dunk introductions, slow-motion replays, and interactive elements to keep viewers captivated throughout the evening. The Dunk Contest isn't just a competition; it's a spectacle, and the NBA is determined to deliver a memorable one in 2026.