Former NBA Champion Calls for Superstars to Fix Slam Dunk Contest

Kendrick Perkins says the only way to improve the event is to get big-name players to participate.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins criticized this year's Slam Dunk Contest at the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, calling it an "embarrassment." Perkins believes the only way to fix the event is to get top stars like Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, and even 7'7" prospect Victor Wembanyama to participate. He noted the contrast with the 3-Point Contest, which features many superstars, while the Dunk Contest has lacked star power in recent years.

Why it matters

The Slam Dunk Contest has long been a marquee event of NBA All-Star Weekend, but it has faced criticism in recent years for a lack of creativity and star power. Perkins' comments echo the sentiments of many fans who want to see the league's biggest names take part to restore the contest's prestige.

The details

Perkins, who won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, said the 2026 dunk contest was "an embarrassment" and needs to feature top players like Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, and even 7'7" prospect Victor Wembanyama to be fixed. He contrasted the dunk contest with the 3-Point Contest, which regularly features NBA superstars. In recent years, the dunk contest has lacked star power, with only Jaylen Brown participating as both an All-Star and dunk contest competitor in the same year since 2019.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend took place in February 2026.

The players

Kendrick Perkins

A former NBA champion who is now an ESPN analyst.

Anthony Edwards

An NBA player known for his athletic dunking ability.

Ja Morant

An NBA player known for his high-flying dunks.

Victor Wembanyama

A 7'7" NBA prospect with impressive dunking skills despite his height.

Jaylen Brown

An NBA All-Star who participated in the dunk contest in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“It can't go, but I will say this: That was an embarrasment. If there was one thing that stood out that was an embarrasing moment for the All-Star Weekend, that dunk contest was horrible.”

— Kendrick Perkins, ESPN Analyst

“The only way you can fix it is you need the big time players... Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant - hell I would even like to see Wemby in it.”

— Kendrick Perkins, ESPN Analyst

The takeaway

The Slam Dunk Contest has long been a highlight of NBA All-Star Weekend, but it has faced criticism in recent years for a lack of creativity and star power. Perkins' comments suggest that bringing in the league's biggest names, like Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, and even the 7'7" prospect Victor Wembanyama, could be the key to restoring the contest's prestige and excitement.