Jalen Duren Withdraws From Slam Dunk Contest, Rookie Jase Richardson Steps In
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Detroit Pistons forward Jalen Duren will miss the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest because of a right knee injury sustained last week, according to multiple reports.
The first-time All-Star left Thursday’s game against the Washington Wizards with knee soreness and did not play in Friday’s victory over the New York Knicks. With Duren sidelined, Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson, the son of two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion Jason Richardson, has been added to the four-man field.
Richardson joins Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant and Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson. All four will be making their event debuts.
This year’s competition is scheduled for Feb. 14 at Intuit Dome and will follow a two-round format. Each contestant attempts two dunks in the opening round, with judges’ scores determining the top two finalists. The remaining players perform two additional dunks, and the highest combined score decides the winner.
Mac McClung, who became the contest’s first three-time champion last year, elected not to participate in 2026.
Source: ESPN
