All-Star Game 2026: the names Carter chose for the Dunk Contest

The 2026 All-Star Game, scheduled to take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, is one of the key tests Adam Silver has circled on the calendar – an event he hopes to navigate without issues. The sharp decline in TV ratings since the post-pandemic era has pushed the commissioner to introduce a drastic format overhaul, in the hope of reversing a trend that has become all too evident.

Even the individual competitions on Saturday night will have a decisive impact on the overall perception of the event. The final contest in particular has always possessed the power to capture global attention for days-both for better and for worse.

Vince Carter knows this perfectly well. In 2000, he not only won the Slam Dunk Contest but transformed it into the most iconic symbol of his athletic identity, thanks to the legendary “It’s over” that accompanied a dunk destined to remain etched in basketball history.

It was Vinsanity himself who, during NBA Showtime on NBC, revealed the eight names he believes are in the running for the four available spots in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Once again, there is space for the youngest prospects: four players who entered the NBA in 2022 or later, one rookie, and three All-Stars who are already proven athletic marvels.

Dunk Contest 2026: Vince Carter’s selections

• Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
• Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies
• Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans
• Shaedon Sharpe – Portland Trail Blazers
• Matas Buzelis – Chicago Bulls
• Stephon Castle – San Antonio Spurs
• V.J. Edgecombe – Philadelphia 76ers
• Johnny Furphy – Indiana Pacers

Setting aside the reigning champion Mac McClung – fresh off a historic three-peat – Vince Carter believes there is no shortage of ingredients for a show capable of reigniting the excitement that has faded over the past decade. What remains to be seen is whether the NBA Basketball Operations leadership will consider these names worthy of the challenge.