Jalen Duren to Compete in NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Pistons All-Star center set to participate in event during 2026 All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:55am

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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is reportedly set to compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. Duren, in his fourth NBA season, will be the fourth Piston to participate in the event, joining Andre Drummond, Allan Houston, and Jerry Stackhouse, though no Piston has ever won the contest.

Why it matters

Duren's participation in the Dunk Contest adds excitement for Pistons fans, as the young center has emerged as an All-Star and one of the league's most athletic big men. His inclusion also continues the Pistons' resurgence, with the team currently leading the Eastern Conference and sending multiple players to the All-Star game for the first time since 2007-08.

The details

According to ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania, Duren will compete in the Slam Dunk Contest alongside Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and Spurs rookie Carter Bryant. Duren is averaging 18 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game this season while shooting 63.5% from the field. He'll join teammate Cade Cunningham, who was voted an All-Star starter, in representing the Pistons at the event.

  • The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest will take place during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

The players

Jalen Duren

A 23-year-old center for the Detroit Pistons, Duren is making his first All-Star appearance and will compete in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' starting point guard, Cunningham was voted as an All-Star starter by fans, media, and players.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, Bickerstaff will coach in the 2026 NBA All-Star game as the head coach of the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference.

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What they’re saying

“Duren joins Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and Spurs rookie Carter Bryant as reported participants in this year's contest.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN NBA Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2026 as part of the league's annual All-Star Weekend festivities in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Jalen Duren's inclusion in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is an exciting development for the rising Pistons star and the team's fanbase, as Detroit continues its resurgence as an Eastern Conference contender.