The 14th pick in last June's draft out of Arizona, Bryant gives the Spurs a rookie entrant in the dunk contest for the second year in a row. Last year in San Francisco, Castle finished runner-up to G Leaguer Mac McClung, who won his third straight dunk title in contentious fashion.

A pair of Western Conference contenders will reportedly send representatives to the event.

The second-year forward called the invite to the Rising Stars game an "honor" but explained why he had to pass on a second attempt at the dunk contest.

Dominique Wilkins explains why he is "disappointed" in the Slam Dunk Contest and the stars who prioritize "brand" over fans in an exclusive interview.

The dunk contest has fallen on hard times, but Reggie Miller credited Mac McClung for not letting it completely implode.

Three-time defending NBA dunk champion and Gate City Native Mac McClung announced he will not be participating in this year’s contest. The 27-year-old, a former Gate City High School standout, made history last year by becoming the first player to win three consecutive dunk contests.

Three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung will not be competing at the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend.