The NBA has unveiled the lineup for the Slam Dunk Contest, scheduled for February 14, 2026, but notably excluded Detroit Pistons’ rising star Jalen Duren. Despite initially accepting an invitation to participate, Duren will instead join his teammates as part of the NBA All-Star Game on February 15, alongside All-Star starter Cade Cunningham and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Duren, who averages 18 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this season, is experiencing a career year and has recently been sidelined due to right knee soreness, missing a crucial game against the New York Knicks following an early exit in their previous matchup. The Pistons currently hold the best record in the Eastern Conference at 36-12, leading teams like the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics by a comfortable margin.
Joining the dunk contest are notable NBA players such as Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, Keshad Johnson from the Miami Heat, and Jase Richardson from the Orlando Magic, who is an alumnus of Michigan State.
In addition to Duren and Cunningham’s All-Star appearances, the Pistons’ representation will also be highlighted in the “Shooting Stars” challenge. Former Pistons All-Star Richard Hamilton will team up with Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren and Toronto’s Scottie Barnes in “Team All-Star.” Other notable participants include Allan Houston with Team Knicks and Corey Maggette, who will join Duke alumni in “Team Cameron.” The teams emphasize a blend of basketball alumni and current stars, showcasing the continued impact of the Pistons in the league.
The format for this year’s All-Star Game will include two U.S.-born teams competing against an international “World” team, engaging in a round-robin tournament structure. The excitement surrounding the Pistons’ All-Star representation not only commemorates their historical performance but also ignites hope for the team’s future as they establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.
The All-Star Weekend events, including the celebrity game, rising stars game, and the main event, will unfold at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, with all games set to be broadcast on major networks. With this being a significant milestone for the Pistons, fans eagerly anticipate the display of talent and sportsmanship during this year’s celebration of basketball.