The annual NBA Slam Dunk contest takes place on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, featuring Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs), Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers), Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat), and Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic). This year’s cast may not be made up of household names, but the NBA Slam Dunk contest remains one of the most anticipated events of All-Star Saturday Night.
Interest in the NBA Slam Dunk contest has waned through the years, with big-name players increasingly declining invitations to participate. The NBA Slam Dunk contest, once a showcase for the league’s biggest stars, has struggled to recapture the level of excitement it generated in previous decades.
One player fans hoped to see in the NBA Slam Dunk contest was VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers. Although he was never officially invited, the 2025 third overall pick admitted he would pass even if he were to receive an invite.
“Yeah, I ain’t doing it,” Edgecombe said back in January. “Nah, I’m good. I’m good.”
It was unfortunate, considering Edgecombe is regarded as one of the most exciting young players in the NBA today. However, his stance reflects a broader trend surrounding the NBA Slam Dunk contest, as several established and emerging stars have opted out over the years, each citing different reasons.
Larry Nance Sr. questions today’s mindset
Larry Nance Jr., who won the NBA Slam Dunk contest in 1984 over Julius Erving and Dominique Wilkins, believes today’s players approach the event differently. According to Nance, fear of losing has become a factor, something he feels should not overshadow competition.
“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,” Nance said in an interview with Action Network.
Nance said that mindset was central to his own experience in the NBA Slam Dunk contest, noting there was never any guarantee of winning.
“You know, Dominique [Wilkins], Michael [Jordan], all these guys showed up to do it. You ain’t gonna win every time, but it’s just good competition to do it,” he added.
Mac McClung dominance adds pressure
In the last three editions of the NBA Slam Dunk contest, Mac McClung has emerged as the standout performer. His preparation, creativity, and execution have helped restore some excitement to the event.
Although Nance did not mention McClung by name, his comments appeared to reference the reigning dunk champion. Nance acknowledged that beating McClung in the NBA Slam Dunk contest would be difficult, which may also discourage potential participants.
“That kid, I can’t think of his name now, that kid that’s been winning for the last couple of years, he’s definitely hard to beat,” Nance said. “Somebody gotta try to knock him off his pedestal. But he’s definitely fun to watch and hard to beat, and maybe they’re afraid of him.”
Whatever the reasons, players declining invitations to the NBA Slam Dunk contest remains a concern for the league. The NBA has experimented with rule changes and format adjustments in an effort to revive interest in the event.
There was a time when the NBA Slam Dunk contest was a centerpiece of All-Star Weekend, drawing widespread attention and defining moments. Whether the league can restore that level of anticipation remains to be seen, but voices like Nance continue to urge players to embrace competition and perform for the fans.
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