Keshad Johnson is not a name that many non-Miami Heat fans may know. However, he'll have the opportunity to change that as he prepares to compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest this weekend.
The Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend may not be what it used to be, but despite the lack of big names, it's still one of the biggest lures of the festivities. The unknown Heat forward will be flanked by Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, and Jase Richardson to round out the competition on All-Star Saturday.
Big names used to pollute the Slam Dunk contest decades ago, but it's slowly transitioned into a place where young players can create some notoriety and momentum for their careers. Johnson will be hoping to take advantage of that opportunity Saturday night, as he joins Norman Powell and Kel'el Ware as the only Heat players who will compete at All-Star Weekend.
Powell was named to his first All-Star team and will also compete in the 3-point shooting contest. Ware will take part in the Rising Stars Challenge.
Who is Keshad Johnson?
Johnson is a 24-year-old forward out of Arizona, playing in his second season with the Heat. Johnson hasn't played much this season for Miami, but has appeared in 21 games. He's averaging three points and two rebounds on 40 percent shooting from the field.
Johnson made his first waves in the NBA with the Heat's G League affiliate, Sioux Falls. Last season, Johnson averaged 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists on 49 percent shooting from the field.
Johnson played so well in Sioux Falls that he was signed to a two-year deal with Miami last year. After this season, Johnson will officially be a restricted free agent. Depending on what the Heat does this summer, there's at least an outside chance that Johnson will be back in Miami on a new contract.
Or, if he does have a good showing in the Slam Dunk Contest, perhaps there's a chance he catches the eye of another team that moves to take a flyer on him this offseason.
Either way, Johnson will have the opportunity to steal some of the spotlight at All-Star Weekend with a flashy dunk or two, or perhaps by winning the Slam Dunk Contest outright. And, in the process, he can begin to change the narrative that surrounds his name across the league. Or begin to create one.
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest is slated for Saturday, February 14, where the festivities are set to begin at 5:00 p.m.