NBA All-Star Weekend is here, and this year the league has bigger problems than superstars not trying in an exhibition game. The moral panic over tanking has reached a fever pitch ahead of a loaded 2026 NBA Draft, and it seems unlikely that the USA vs. The World format for Sunday’s showcase game will be much of a distraction from basketball’s bigger problems.
NBA Dunk Contest and 3-Point Contest predictions for 2026 field
Let’s make some picks for the Dunk Contest and 3-Point Contest for 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
Before the 2026 NBA All-Star Game kicks off from the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Intuit Dome, on Sunday, the league is gathering for another rendition of All-Star Saturday featuring the Dunk Contest and the Three-Point Shootout.
The Dunk Contest has fallen on hard times as of late, and once again there’s a disappointing field of participants. Mac McClung isn’t around to save the dunk contest this year, but there is one NBA All-Star in the field. Meanwhile, the Three-Point Contest features two top rookies, plus an aging superstar who hasn’t played a game this season because of an injury. Let’s make predictions for the dunk and three-point contests ahead of All-Star Saturday.
NBA Dunk Contest 2026 field and prediction
Here’s the field at the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest:
- Jase Richardson, G, Orlando Magic: The son of two-time dunk contest champ Jason Richardson is a rookie guard for the Orlando Magic who was picked No. 25 overall out of Michigan State. He’s listed at 6’1, 180 pounds, and has never been known for his hops like his old man.
- Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons: Duren is a first-time All-Star for the Pistons and one of the best young bigs in the league. Listed at 6’10, 250 pounds, he’s about the same size as Dwight Howard when he won the the Dunk Contest in 2008.
- Carter Bryant, F, San Antonio Spurs: A strong and athletic 6’8 wing, Bryant was chosen by the Spurs with the No. 14 overall pick in hopes of being a 3-and-D wing around Victor Wembanyama long-term.
- Jaxson Hayes, C, Los Angeles Lakers: Athletic backup center for the Lakers.
Our pick: Jaxson Hayes. It’s hard for a big man to win the dunk contest, but I saw Hayes an under-the-leg in-game a couple weeks ago, so I figure he’s got a deep bag for a contest like this. He’s so long and bouncy that could produce some cool dunks.
NBA Dunk Contest 2026 field and prediction
Here’s the field for the 2026 NBA Three-Point Contest:
- Kon Knueppel, G, Charlotte Hornets: Kneuppel is the front-runner to win Rookie of the Year. The No. 4 overall pick looks like a potential franchise player for the upstart Charlotte Hornets.
- Damian Lillard, G, Portland Trail Blazers: Lillard hasn’t played a game this season as he recovers from a torn Achilles. It was shocking to see him on this list. He’s going for his third title in this contest after winning it in 2023 and 2024.
- Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns: An All-Star and one of the best shooting guards in the league, Booker is the leader of a surprisingly feisty Suns team.
- Jamal Murray, G, Denver Nuggets: A first-time All-Star and NBA champion, Murray is a big shot taker and maker.
- Tyrese Maxey, G, Philadelphia 76ers: An All-Star guard playing at an All-NBA level, Maxey’s combination of speed and touch is one of the best in the world.
- Donovan Mitchell, G, Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs superstar is arguably the best American-born player in the league right now.
- Norman Powell, G, Miami Heat: A first-time All-Star at age-32, Powell can fill it up as a microwave scorer.
- Bobby Portis, F, Milwaukee Bucks: A veteran forward and NBA champion, Portis is a cult hero up in Milwaukee who has always been a stretch forward.
Our pick: Jamal Murray. Murray always rises to the occasion. I think he’ll be looking to prove himself in his first ever All-Star Weekend, and that starts by ripping the nights on Saturday night.
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