The air inside the Intuit Dome feels thinner, charged with the specific, manic electricity only Los Angeles generates. But when the lights dim this February, the $2 billion coliseum faces a problem. Mac McClung has finally put the ball down. After three years of saving the NBA from its own apathy, the G-League gatecrasher is gone, leaving the 2026 Dunk Contest with a terrifying vacancy. The real stake in 2026 isn’t the trophy. It’s whether the league’s high-flyers are finally brave enough to step into the void.
A Throne Left Vacant
For three years, a simple narrative took hold: the pros feared the G-Leaguer. McClung’s dominance shielded NBA stars, giving them a convenient excuse to sit out and avoid the risk of embarrassment. Now, that shield is gone. We are either witnessing the return of the Star Era. The alternative is the permanent relegation of the Dunk Contest to a showcase for rookies and specialists. To avoid disaster, this year’s field needs a specific alchemy: the verticality to shock the cameras, the creativity to wake up a crowd that watches highlights in six-second loops, and, most crucially, the star power to keep the celebrities in the front row off their phones. The potential savior of All-Star Saturday Night is likely sitting on one of these ten rosters.
The Contenders
10. The G-League Wildcard
Mac McClung’s stranglehold on the trophy means the G-League has technically reigned supreme since 2023. Even without him, the league may dip into the developmental pool to keep the underdog spirit alive. However, the Rocky narrative relies on novelty, and that novelty is wearing thin. Unless the invitee can replicate McClung’s 540-degree shockwaves, the crowd might finally turn on the gimmick.
9. Johnny Furphy (Indiana Pacers)
Much like eager fans once rallied behind Rudy Fernandez, Vince Carter’s specific call-out of this Australian rookie puts legitimate pressure on the league to include him. Carter was reacting to a transition tomahawk over OKC that showcased deceptive violence. Furphy recorded a max vertical of 40.5 inches at the combine, elite for his 6’9″ frame. Consequently, he represents the International Surprise, a player who could steal the night simply because no one sees him coming.
8. K.J. Martin (Philadelphia 76ers)
Forget finesse. K.J. Martin channels the raw, violent rim attacks of his father, Kenyon Martin Sr., reminding judges that sometimes force outweighs choreography. He ranks in the 98th percentile for dunk frequency among forwards not because he glides, but because he destroys. Martin is the field’s designated Power Dunker, a necessary palate cleanser in an era of props and costumes.
7. Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz)
Rookies often bring a fearlessness veterans lack, and Bailey represents that specific Kobe Bryant rookie-year energy, arrogant, bouncy, and desperate to make a name. His 360-degree layup package in Summer League morphed into a dunk contest audition tape before he played a real minute. Coming out of Rutgers, he boasted a recorded 44-inch vertical leap. Suddenly, the Jazz have a highlight reel who jumps like he’s angry at the floor.
6. Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans)
Mirroring the modern Larry Nance Jr., Murphy is a long, lanky technician who makes difficult mechanics look impossibly smooth. His near-win in previous years proved his technical prowess, specifically his ball-handling in the air. Murphy completes 88% of his lob attempts, showcasing elite hand-eye coordination that allows him to execute dunks other players can’t even practice.
5. Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
Brown took a risk when no other All-Star would, and his Dee Brown tribute in 2024 divided the internet. Yet still, he registered the highest jump velocity of any participant that night. A return in 2026 would signal that stars aren’t afraid of the critique, cementing his status as the event’s cultural guardian. He is the Redeemer, the only one willing to put his reputation on the line for the culture.
4. Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)
His movement mirrors Clyde Drexler; he doesn’t just jump, he floats. Thompson’s hip height on jumps regularly clears the 5-foot mark, giving him arguably the highest functional vertical in the NBA. He is the Glider, a favorite among purists who value aesthetics over gimmicks. Ultimately, his participation would legitimize the contest as a showcase of elite athleticism rather than just theater.
3. Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
He is the modern Dominique Wilkins, the best in-game dunker who refuses to compete. Morant generates 1.6 highlight plays per game, the highest rate of any guard in the last decade. His missed dunk over Kevin Love remains more exciting than most made dunks in recent history. If the league can finally convince the People’s Champ to suit up, the contest wins instantly.
2. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
We haven’t seen a dunker with this specific combination of mass and lift since Shawn Kemp. As analyzed during his Duke tenure, Williamson generates over 2800 Newtons of force on liftoff, physically damaging rims. He is a Titan, a mythological creature whose warm-up line windmills routinely go viral before tip-off. His participation remains the white whale of All-Star Weekend.
1. Shaedon Sharpe (Portland Trail Blazers)
Sharpe is the closest thing we have to Vince Carter in terms of vertical aesthetic. Per Draft Combine records, he touched the stratosphere with a 49-inch max vertical, the highest number currently in the database. His head-at-rim alley-oop finish against the Lakers looked like CGI. He is the Myth, the betting favorite, and the only player who can single-handedly restore the contest to its 2000 glory.
The Verdict
History tells us that great dunk contests require rivalry, not just talent. The 2016 duel between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon stands as the modern benchmark because it felt like a prizefight. With McClung gone, the 2026 edition at Intuit Dome needs a new protagonist. If the NBA can secure Shaedon Sharpe and entice a high-profile challenger like Amen Thompson or Ace Bailey, the night will be salvaged. If they settle for safe choices, the event risks becoming a permanent bathroom break. The rim is open. We just need someone brave enough to tear it down.
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Q: Who is in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest?
A: The official roster isn’t finalized, but top candidates include Shaedon Sharpe, Ace Bailey, and potentially Zion Williamson. The league is pushing for NBA stars to replace G-League specialists.
Q: Is Mac McClung in the Dunk Contest this year?
A: No, Mac McClung has stepped away from the competition after dominating for three years. His absence leaves the door open for a new champion to be crowned in Los Angeles.
Q: What is Shaedon Sharpe’s vertical leap?
A: Shaedon Sharpe reportedly recorded a 49-inch max vertical leap during pre-draft workouts. This measurement would be the highest in NBA history, surpassing legends like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter.
Q: Will Ja Morant ever do the Dunk Contest?
A: Ja Morant has historically declined invitations to the Dunk Contest. However, he remains a top target for the NBA due to his incredible in-game dunk highlights.
