Jalen Duren to Ignite 2026 Slam Dunk Contest for Pistons

Merlin sees Detroit center Jalen Duren accepted an invitation Tuesday to the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, joining Jaxson Hayes and rookie Carter Bryant. At 6'10" and an All-Star this season, Duren averages 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds and ranks fourth in the league with 111 dunks. Marcus McClung said his son "will not try to go for four Slam Dunk Contest titles in a row," leaving a more open field and making Duren one of the top names to watch. Merlin notes the story is not just spectacle. Big men rarely enter and even more rarely win, so Duren’s mix of size, hops and All-Star billing turns the contest into a test of artistry versus power. The fourth entrant and the night’s creativity will decide whether Duren becomes a novelty or a champion.