Hawks' Jalen Johnson Hints at Future Dunk Contest Plans

The rising star says he'll compete in the dunk contest 'one day'.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In a recent interview, Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson hinted that he plans to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in the future. Johnson, who has impressed with his highlight-reel dunks this season, told ESPN's Monica McNutt that 'I will be in the dunk contest one day.' The comments drew a playful response from former NBA champion Richard Jefferson, who joked that Johnson may not have 'enough bounce' for the contest.

Why it matters

Johnson's potential participation in the dunk contest would be a major boost for the event, which has struggled to attract top NBA talent in recent years. As one of the league's rising young stars, Johnson could bring much-needed hype and excitement back to the dunk contest.

The details

During the NBA All-Star celebrity game, ESPN's Mark Jones asked Johnson if he would volunteer for the slam dunk contest, to which Johnson replied, 'I will be in the dunk contest one day.' Johnson's comments led to a range of reactions, including a playful jab from former NBA champion Richard Jefferson, who told Johnson 'I don't think he has enough bounce to be in the dunk contest.' Johnson jokingly responded, 'It sounds great. We'll see when the time comes.'

  • Johnson made the comments during the NBA All-Star celebrity game on February 14, 2026.

The players

Jalen Johnson

A rising star forward for the Atlanta Hawks who has impressed with his highlight-reel dunks this season.

Richard Jefferson

A former NBA champion who jokingly questioned whether Johnson has 'enough bounce' to compete in the dunk contest.

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What they’re saying

“I will be in the dunk contest one day.”

— Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks Forward (ESPN)

“I don't think he has enough bounce to be in the dunk contest.”

— Richard Jefferson, Former NBA Champion (ESPN)

“It sounds great. We'll see when the time comes.”

— Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks Forward (ESPN)

What’s next

Johnson's potential participation in the dunk contest remains uncertain, but fans will be eager to see if he follows through on his promise to compete in the event 'one day'.

The takeaway

Jalen Johnson's comments about his future dunk contest plans have generated excitement among NBA fans, who are hopeful the rising Hawks star can help revive the event with his high-flying dunks. Johnson's potential involvement could be a major boost for the dunk contest, which has struggled to attract top talent in recent years.