San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant has officially accepted the invitation to participate in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend. The event will take place on February 14 in Inglewood, California, marking a significant opportunity for Bryant to showcase his athleticism on a national stage.
Bryant joins Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes as the first confirmed participants of this year’s dunk competition. He becomes the fifth player in San Antonio Spurs history to compete in the event, following teammate Stephon Castle, who took part last season. This continues the Spurs’ tradition of contributing exciting talent to the dunk contest.
The 2026 Slam Dunk Contest is set to crown a new champion after the three-time defending winner Mac McClung announced his decision to forgo participating. Additionally, Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe also declined the invitation, leaving the contest open to fresh contenders like Bryant and Hayes.
Throughout the current NBA season, Bryant’s playing time has been limited but notable. He has appeared in 37 games, averaging 2.5 points and 1.7 rebounds per game while shooting 35.1% from the field. His best performance came on January 19 when he scored 11 points, grabbed three rebounds, blocked two shots, and recorded one steal during a victory over the Utah Jazz.
In addition to his NBA appearances, Bryant also played in the G League earlier this month. On January 9, he contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in a 29-minute effort against the South Bay Lakers. He shot 6-of-13 from the field, demonstrating his potential and readiness to take on higher-profile challenges.
The Slam Dunk Contest will be the highlight of Saturday night’s All-Star Weekend festivities, which will also include the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest. These events are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, offering fans multiple exciting competitions to enjoy.
Bryant’s participation signals a promising moment for the Spurs rookie as he aims to make an impact beyond his regular-season contributions. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in one of the NBA’s most electrifying events.
Read more at: sports.yahoo.com-
-
-
-
