Keshad Johnson wins NBA Slam Dunk contest

Undrafted Heat player's energetic performance captivates crowd in Inglewood

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a showcase of the NBA's evolving talent landscape, Keshad Johnson, an undrafted player who worked his way onto the Miami Heat roster, won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest during All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California. Johnson's victory over Carter Bryant highlighted the rising prominence of players who have earned their spot through perseverance rather than just draft pedigree.

Why it matters

Johnson's win reflects a shift in the NBA towards recognizing player development and providing opportunities for overlooked talent. His connection with the West Coast audience through his 'swag' and 'flavor' also underscores the importance of fan engagement at marquee events like All-Star Weekend.

The details

Johnson, an Oakland native, incorporated a dance with rapper E-40 into his dunk routine, showcasing his showmanship. In contrast, Carter Bryant, who had practiced his final dunk since age 14, struggled and repeatedly missed attempts, highlighting the pressure and unpredictability of the dunk contest. The contrast between Johnson's energetic performance and Bryant's difficulties suggests the dunk contest may need to evolve beyond just athletic feats to focus more on entertainment value and audience connection.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend was held in Inglewood, California.

The players

Keshad Johnson

An undrafted player who worked his way onto the Miami Heat roster and won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest.

Carter Bryant

A participant in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest who struggled and repeatedly missed attempts in the final round.

Jase Richardson

The son of two-time dunk champion Jason Richardson, who attempted a 360 lob dunk during the contest.

Jaxson Hayes

A player who attempted innovative dunk attempts during the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest, though he did not reach the finals.

Damian Lillard

The winner of the 2026 NBA Three-Point Contest, reaffirming the enduring appeal of shooting prowess.

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What they’re saying

“This connection, he believes, fueled his performance, highlighting the importance of fan engagement and the power of playing in front of a supportive crowd.”

— Keshad Johnson (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The NBA may introduce new skills challenges or events that cater to different aspects of the game, such as passing, defense, or basketball IQ, to broaden the appeal of All-Star Weekend and provide opportunities for a wider range of players to shine.

The takeaway

Keshad Johnson's victory in the NBA Slam Dunk contest is a testament to the power of player development and the growing importance of personality and fan engagement in the league's marquee events. As the NBA All-Star Weekend evolves, expect to see more unexpected stars and a greater emphasis on creativity and entertainment value.