Keshad Johnson Wins 2026 NBA Dunk Contest

Miami forward becomes latest role player to steal the show at All-Star Weekend

Feb. 27, 2026 at 8:07am

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The Slam Dunk Contest has become a stage for hungry role players and specialists in recent years, with the last 10 winners including only one All-Star in Donovan Mitchell. This year, Miami's Keshad Johnson continued that trend, winning the 2026 event with a mix of power and clean execution that instantly raised his profile.

Why it matters

The Dunk Contest's shift away from marquee names to lesser-known players fighting for rotation minutes has actually raised the entertainment value, with winners willing to empty the clip for one night of viral fame. This reflects the contest's evolution into a primetime showcase for a new generation of high-flyers trying to dunk their way into the wider NBA conversation.

The details

Johnson kept the role-player tradition alive, elevating in Miami colors to snatch the 2026 crown with a mix of power and clean execution. For a young forward still carving out his NBA niche, the trophy instantly raised his profile and ensured his dunks would live on every All-Star highlight reel going forward.

  • The 2026 NBA Dunk Contest took place during All-Star Weekend.

The players

Keshad Johnson

A young forward for the Miami Heat who won the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest, continuing a recent trend of role players and specialists taking home the trophy.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

As long as the pipeline of fearless high-flyers keeps coming, the NBA Dunk Contest will always have the ability to steal the spotlight at All-Star Weekend with a single jump, even if the league's biggest names sit it out.