Jalen Duren to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest
The Detroit Pistons center joins the dunk contest at All-Star Weekend. At 22 years old, Duren is having an exceptional season with averages of 18 points and 10.7 rebounds, earning him his first All-Star Game selection.
Jan 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jalen Duren will make his debut at the Slam Dunk Contest. The Detroit Pistons center, selected for the first time to the All-Star Game this season, has accepted the invitation to participate in the All-Star Weekend’s flagship event, according to ESPN sources reported by Shams Charania.
A breakout season for the young center
At just 22 years old, Duren is experiencing an exceptional campaign that confirms his full potential. Standing 6’8″ and selected 13th overall in the 2022 draft, the American is posting impressive statistics with 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, both career highs. These performances earned him a selection as a replacement for the All-Star Game.
His efficiency near the rim is remarkable: Duren has converted 111 dunks this season with a success rate of 94.9%. These numbers demonstrate his dominance in the paint and his exceptional athletic ability, perfect qualities to shine in the dunk contest.
The Pistons center joins a lineup already featuring Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers and rookie Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs. The fourth and final participant has not yet been announced, but it is confirmed that Mac McClung, three-time defending champion, will not defend his title this year.
Detroit Pistons first time All-Star Jalen Duren has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest in Los Angeles, sources tell ESPN. Duren joins Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the contest field.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
The dunk contest will take place on February 14 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, as part of All-Star Weekend which will run from February 13-15. This participation represents additional recognition for Duren, who is establishing himself as one of the NBA’s rising young stars and is contributing greatly to the excellent results of the Pistons this season.
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With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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