NBA All-Star 2026: Dominique Wilkins Gets Candid On Why Star Players Aren’t In Slam Dunk Contest

Former Slam Dunk Contest winner Dominique Wilkins has a theory on why star players don’t participate. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

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Dominique Wilkins knows how much fun it is to be a part of the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer won the slam dunk contest twice back in the 80s, going toe-to-toe against Michael Jordan on two occasions in the main event of Saturday night’s NBA All-Star weekend.

While its true that Wilkins was one heck of a scorer and a nine-time All-Star, the 66-year-old is forever synonymous with the Slam Dunk Contest. He’ll once again serve as a judge for the event during the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend.

“I can never tell the NBA no to be a part of this again,” said Wilkins in a one-on-one interview. “It just continues to illustrate the history of the Slam Dunk Contest and some of the past participants who’ve been in it, like myself, the Dwight Howard and Nate Robinson. Guys like that, who are here also a part of it. So just a fellowship with those guys, and just to be a part of the weekend and just a special moment.”

Carter Bryant, Keshad Johnson, Jase Richardson and Jaxson Hayes are the participants in this year’s contest.

“I just want to see them bring their best and make it a fun contest,” said Wilkins. “I’m just looking forward to see each and every guy have have an opportunity and chance to bring what they do best. Hopefully give the fans something very fun and exciting to watch.”

Wilkins participated in the contest on four occasions, winning twice and losing two other times.

He said the key to winning the dunk contest is by “setting the tone.”

“You have to set the tone,” said Wilkins. “You have to set the tone. You got to be creative. You got to have that power and finesse, and so it’s a blend of each one of those things I’ve just mentioned. The one that brings the most creativity, the most style and grace, power, is the one who’s gonna win it.”

For many years, the Slam Dunk Contest was known as the pinnacle of All-Star weekend. Star players participated in it, with guys such as Vince Carter solidifying themselves as mainstream names as a result of their dunks during the showcase.

However, for the past couple of decades, the event has struggled to garner big names. Dwight Howard – who will be a judge at this year’s event – was one of the last big name winners in 2008 along with Blake Griffin in 2011.

Mac McClung, who is a three-time winner, decided not to return to the Slam Dunk Contest this year.

He said back in the day, players wanted to participate because they wanted to see who the best was while also giving a show for the fans.

“We got in it because we all wanted to know who the best was, plain and simple,” said Wilkins. “We got in it to give the fans what they came to watch. They came to watch the All-Star game, but the Slam Dunk Contest was big, huge anticipation. It was one of the main events for All-Star Weekend.”

When the idea of why star players don’t participate in the Slam Dunk Contest anymore is due to social media and maybe possibly hurting their image, Wilkins said he can understand that argument.

However, it’s not something that should deter stars from participating.

“That’s a part of it, because they’re such big brands now, and that’s wonderful, of course,” said Wilkins. “But I don’t think winning or losing really affects your brand, affects your legacy. This is something you give the fans for a weekend.

“I’ve lost two or three dunk contests,” Wilkins continued to say. “Two of them I probably should have won, but it didn’t affect my legacy. It didn’t affect my personality at all. It’s not about affecting your legacy. This is something you do just in a weekend to entertain the fans.”

When asked who is the best dunker in the game today, the former Atlanta Hawks star can’t name just one, but he does mention Anthony Edwards and current Hawks star Jalen Johnson.

“It’s a lot of guys, man, or there’s a lot of guys who were not even in the dunk contest,” said Wilkins. “Look at Anthony Edwards. Exciting dunker, I would say. Jalen Johnson, another guy who was very creative and an explosive guy. You can go down the line with guys who are not in the contest that would be good participants.”