Jalen Johnson Declares He’ll Enter Slam Dunk Contest — A Challenge to All‑Star Weekend’s Fade
At All‑Star Weekend on Feb. 14, 2026 (ET), Hawks forward Jalen Johnson made a simple, bold promise: “I will be in the dunk contest one day. ” The comment landed on a stage where the annual showcase has been grappling with dwindling star power, safety concerns and a growing sense that top players are unwilling to risk reputation or health for a nostalgic trophy.
Why many stars are steering clear
The reasons elite players opt out are increasingly clear. The dunk contest once attracted marquee names who used the moment to create indelible highlights. Now, the field frequently reads like a who’s‑who of potential rather than proven star power — a cast of rookies and role players rather than perennial All‑Stars. This year’s lineup included two rookies, a second‑year player and Jaxson Hayes; the eventual winner, Keshad Johnson, had logged only 257 minutes across his first 1. 5 NBA seasons.
Practical concerns drive much of the reluctance. The spectacle offers upside — a burst of national attention — but carries tangible downsides. A misstep can produce serious injury; a live dunk attempt by Jase Richardson ended with a collision into the backboard and a hard fall that underscored the physical risk. For players earning multi‑million dollar salaries, a single mistake or injury in an exhibition setting represents a steep gamble.
Beyond the physical, there is the threat of reputational damage. The dunk contest is one of the league’s highest‑visibility stage shows: an unremarkable or failed performance can follow a player in social media and highlight reels for years. That concern was echoed by veteran voices who suggest fear of losing — and of being publicly mocked — keeps some stars on the sidelines. Larry Nance Jr., the 1984 dunk champion, framed it plainly: “You know, some of the stars today don’t want to possibly lose, maybe, but it’s just competition, man. One person gotta win. Go out there and just have fun and do it. ”
Jalen Johnson’s pledge and what it could mean
Jalen Johnson’s declaration attempts to flip the script. The Hawks forward has the athletic profile and confidence to be a memorable contestant, and his public commitment is a rare invitation for excitement rather than resignation. A star of Johnson’s profile signaling intent to compete matters because the contest’s allure is rooted in name recognition and narrative: the bigger the name, the greater the shared investment from fans.
Still, Johnson’s vow doesn’t erase the structural issues. Top talents such as recent newcomers have already signaled disinterest; one high‑profile rookie said he would decline even if invited. And while a charismatic competitor can elevate the event, the league and teams will have to reconcile player safety and financial realities with the desire for showmanship.
Can the contest be revived — and what’s next?
Reviving the dunk contest will require more than hopeful promises. The league has experimented with format tweaks and presentation changes in recent years in search of renewed relevance. Further steps could include scheduling and incentive adjustments, increased safety protocols for the on‑court setup, and targeted invitations that blend household names with true dunk specialists.
Veteran champions urge a mindset shift as well: embrace the competition, accept that someone might lose, and focus on the entertainment value. If Jalen Johnson follows through on his statement, he could help bridge the gap between flashy potential and headline‑grabbing participation. Whether his pledge sparks a larger return of star entrants remains to be seen, but for now it represents a notable counterpoint to a narrative of retreat — and a reminder that the dunk contest’s future may hinge on a few courageous commitments.
