Pistons' Jalen Duren to Compete in 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

The 22-year-old center will join Lakers' Jaxson Hayes and Spurs' Carter Bryant in the event.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest, according to an ESPN report. Duren, 22, will join Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Carter Bryant in the event, which will take place on February 14 in Inglewood, California, one day before the NBA All-Star Game. Three-time defending champion Mac McClung is not expected to participate this year.

Why it matters

The NBA Slam Dunk contest is one of the most anticipated events during All-Star weekend, showcasing the league's most athletic and creative players. Duren's participation will bring additional excitement and attention to the contest, as the young Pistons center has emerged as one of the league's most promising young big men.

The details

Duren, who is averaging 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in 41 starts this season, will look to put on a show and potentially dethrone the three-time defending champion, Mac McClung. The Slam Dunk contest will take place on February 14, 2026, in Inglewood, California, the day before the NBA All-Star Game.

  • The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest will take place on February 14, 2026.
  • The NBA All-Star Game will take place the following day, on February 15, 2026.

The players

Jalen Duren

A 22-year-old center for the Detroit Pistons who is averaging 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this season.

Jaxson Hayes

A center for the Los Angeles Lakers who will also compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest.

Carter Bryant

A rookie forward for the San Antonio Spurs who will compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest.

Mac McClung

The three-time defending champion of the NBA Slam Dunk contest, who is not expected to participate in the 2026 event.

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What’s next

The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest will take place on February 14, 2026, the day before the NBA All-Star Game.

The takeaway

Jalen Duren's participation in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest will bring additional excitement and attention to the event, as the young Pistons center has emerged as one of the league's most promising young big men. The contest will feature a mix of established stars and rising talents, promising an entertaining showcase of the NBA's elite athleticism.