Keshad Johnson, a swingman for the Miami Heat, captured the spotlight by winning the **2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest** during the All-Star Weekend at the **Intuit Dome in Los Angeles**. This victory makes him the third player in the franchise’s history to claim the title, joining the ranks of **Harold Miner** (1993) and **Derrick Jones Jr.** (2020).
Johnson’s triumph comes after a challenging week leading up to the event, which included two games with the **G League** and limited practice time. In an interview with the **Miami Herald**, he shared the pressure he faced. “I’d say about five days’ notice, but I had two G League games and two days of actual practice,” he explained. “Just stuck to the plan. My dunk coach Chuck, he told me to stick to the plan. I wanted to change it so bad. My blood was boiling a little bit. Stick to the plan, and look what happened.”
Johnson expressed the significance of his achievement, highlighting his lifelong admiration for the game. “Man, I’ve been watching the NBA all my life,” he said. “Being around all these legends, I promise you it’s literally a dream. I can’t put it to words. It’s a dream being front and center stage with **Julius Erving**, **Dominique Wilkins**, able to shake their hands, **Vince Carter**, the list goes on and on. Just being able to show everybody who I am. I know who they are, but now they know who I am.”
Head Coach Applauds Johnson’s Growth
Although Johnson has been part of the Miami Heat since **2024**, he has yet to secure a consistent role within the team’s rotation. Nonetheless, head coach **Erik Spoelstra** commended Johnson’s development as a player, noting his potential. “He’s really starting to figure out how to weaponize that athleticism and show it more in the game of basketball, where it’s not just a dunk contest,” Spoelstra stated.
The coach highlighted Johnson’s impressive vertical leap of over **40 inches**, an asset that he is learning to leverage effectively. “As a young player, sometimes you need to learn how to utilize it, which he’s been doing a great job of,” Spoelstra added.
Despite not having as many opportunities as some of his teammates, Spoelstra remains optimistic about Johnson’s future. “We are just as excited about his improvement. He’s becoming way more reliable as that three-and-D guy that can give you athleticism, can guard a lot of different positions,” he noted. “He’s been steady in his development in our defense. His offense is improving. His shooting is really improving,” he concluded.
Johnson’s victory at the Slam Dunk Contest not only marks a significant personal achievement but also signals a promising future for his career in the NBA. As he continues to grow, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he capitalizes on this moment in the spotlight.