The NBA has officially unveiled an all-star panel of judges for the highly anticipated 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, bringing together some of the most iconic champions in the event's storied history. In a move that celebrates the rich legacy of one of basketball's most electrifying spectacles, the league announced Tuesday that Hall of Famers Dominique Wilkins and Dwight Howard will be joined by three-time winner Nate Robinson and 1996 champion Brent Barry to evaluate this year's high-flying competitors.
This marks a significant moment for the Slam Dunk Contest, as each of these four judges brings firsthand experience of what it takes to captivate audiences and impress the scoring table. Their collective expertise spans decades of basketball excellence, offering a unique perspective that only former champions can provide. The NBA's decision to assemble such a distinguished panel demonstrates a clear commitment to honoring the contest's heritage while ensuring that the next generation of dunkers receives evaluation from those who truly understand the art form.
Dominique Wilkins, affectionately known as "The Human Highlight Film," set the standard for aerial artistry when he captured the dunk contest crown in 1985 and again in 1990. His thunderous, powerful dunks revolutionized the event and established him as one of the greatest in-game and contest dunkers of all time. Wilkins' battles with Michael Jordan in the 1980s contests are the stuff of legend, and his presence on the judging panel adds an unparalleled level of credibility and historical significance to the proceedings. When Wilkins speaks about dunking, the basketball world listens.
Joining him is Dwight Howard, whose 2008 victory remains one of the most memorable in recent history. Howard's performance, which included his iconic Superman dunk where he donned a cape and threw down a ferocious slam while wearing a phone booth-inspired jersey, showcased both athleticism and showmanship that helped reinvigorate the contest for a new generation. His presence as a judge bridges the gap between the classic era represented by Wilkins and the modern age of creative, prop-assisted dunks that have become increasingly popular.
The panel also features Nate Robinson, the only three-time winner in the contest's history. Robinson's victories in 2006, 2009, and 2010 demonstrated remarkable consistency and creativity despite standing at just 5-foot-9. His underdog story and innovative approach to dunking, which often involved jumping over much taller players like Dwight Howard himself, make him particularly qualified to assess the technical difficulty and originality of this year's participants. Robinson understands that in the dunk contest, imagination can overcome physical limitations.
Rounding out the former player judges is Brent Barry, who won the 1996 contest with a display of finesse and athleticism that included his famous "free throw line" dunk. Barry's victory was notable not only for his performance but also for breaking stereotypes, as he became one of the few white players to win the prestigious event. His analytical approach to the game, developed during his successful post-playing career as a broadcaster, will provide valuable insights during the competition and help articulate the nuances of each dunk to the viewing audience.
In an innovative twist that embraces the NBA's commitment to fan engagement and digital integration, the fifth judge will be determined through a fan voting process. The league has nominated three prominent creators, each bringing a different perspective to the basketball world:
- Chris "Lethal Shooter" Matthews, a world-renowned shooting coach who has worked with countless NBA players and built a massive social media following through his expertise and engaging content. His deep understanding of player mechanics and training could offer a unique technical viewpoint.
- Druski, an actor and comedian who has become a fixture at NBA events and has collaborated with numerous players on viral content. His entertainment background ensures he'll evaluate the dunks not just on athletic merit but on their ability to captivate and amuse the audience.
- Tyler Toney, co-founder of Dude Perfect, the sports entertainment group known for their incredible trick shots and basketball-related content. Toney's experience in creating viral basketball moments gives him insight into what resonates with modern fans.
Fans can cast their votes through the NBA App to determine which of these three creators will assume the role of NBA ID Member Rep and serve as the fifth judge on All-Star Saturday Night. This democratic approach gives the NBA community direct involvement in one of the weekend's marquee events, further blurring the line between spectators and participants.
The voting mechanism extends beyond just selecting the fifth judge. After each dunk is performed, NBA ID members will have the opportunity to score the attempt themselves, selecting a score from 40 to 50. The average of these fan votes will be calculated and presented by the NBA ID Member Rep as one of the five official scores for each dunk. This integration of real-time fan participation represents a bold step forward in making the All-Star experience more interactive and inclusive, allowing the audience to have a tangible impact on the outcome.
The 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest is scheduled for February 14 at 5:00 p.m. ET, taking place at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The venue, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, will provide a spectacular backdrop for the aerial display with its modern amenities and intimate seating configuration that brings fans closer to the action. This year's field of competitors includes four promising young talents who have each demonstrated exceptional leaping ability and creativity throughout the season:
Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, known for his explosive leaping ability and creative dunk repertoire that he's showcased in G League assignments; Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers, whose length and athleticism make him a formidable contender capable of executing complex aerial maneuvers; Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat, bringing power and finesse to the competition with his versatile dunking style; and Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic, a rookie with a reputation for highlight-reel dunks from his college days at Michigan State.
These four participants will battle for dunk supremacy during NBA All-Star Saturday Night, which also features the State Farm 3-Point Contest and the Kia Shooting Stars competition. The entire evening of events will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, making it accessible to fans across multiple platforms and ensuring that no one misses a moment of the action. The broadcast partnership with NBC marks a new era for the NBA's television presentation, and All-Star Saturday serves as a showcase for this collaboration.
The selection of these particular judges underscores the NBA's dedication to honoring its history while simultaneously embracing innovation. By having four former champions evaluate the next generation of dunkers, the league creates a direct lineage between past and present, allowing legends to pass judgment on potential future stars. The addition of a fan-voted creator judge further demonstrates the NBA's recognition of how digital content creators and social media have transformed sports fandom and engagement.
Dominique Wilkins and Dwight Howard represent two distinct eras of dunking excellence. Wilkins came from an age where pure power and athleticism dominated, while Howard ushered in an era of theatricality and creative concepts. Their combined perspectives will ensure that both traditional and modern dunk styles are properly appreciated and scored, creating a balanced evaluation criteria that respects the contest's evolution.
Meanwhile, Nate Robinson and Brent Barry bring their own unique viewpoints. Robinson's experience as a smaller player who had to innovate to compete against taller opponents will make him particularly attuned to creativity and difficulty over pure physical gifts. Barry's technical precision and understanding of the contest's evolution will help balance the panel's scoring criteria and ensure that execution remains paramount.
The fan-voted fifth judge adds an element of unpredictability and modern relevance. Whether it's the expertise of Lethal Shooter, the entertainment value of Druski, or the creative sports perspective of Tyler Toney, the chosen creator will represent the voice of the contemporary NBA fan base—the millions who consume basketball content across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other digital platforms.
As 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend approaches, the excitement continues to build for what promises to be one of the most memorable Slam Dunk Contests in recent memory. The combination of legendary judges, an innovative fan participation model, and a talented field of young competitors creates the perfect recipe for an unforgettable night of basketball entertainment. The event serves as a reminder that while the players and formats may change, the pure joy of watching extraordinary athletes defy gravity remains timeless.
The legacy of the Slam Dunk Contest lives on through these carefully crafted moments where past meets present, and fans become more than just spectators—they become active participants in the celebration of athletic artistry. With such a distinguished panel of judges and an engaged fan base, the 2026 edition is poised to add another remarkable chapter to the contest's illustrious history, continuing a tradition that has produced some of the most iconic moments in basketball history.