Denver Nuggets Star Aaron Gordon Announces Return for 2026 Slam Dunk Contest in Pursuit of Long-Awaited Championship Victory

In a move that has thrilled fans and reignited the buzz surrounding the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 edition of the All-Star Weekend’s most electrifying event. With his eyes firmly set on winning his first ever Slam Dunk Contest championship, Gordon’s announcement marks the return of one of the most celebrated and controversial dunk contest competitors of the modern era. His declaration, delivered with quiet confidence during a post-workout media session in Denver, immediately stirred excitement across the basketball world, reviving memories of his past dazzling performances and the heated debates that followed them.

Aaron Gordon’s history with the Slam Dunk Contest is nothing short of iconic. He has competed three times in the event — in 2016, 2017, and 2020 — and in each of those years, he delivered performances that would have been worthy of a championship under almost any other circumstances. His 2016 battle with then-defending champion Zach LaVine is widely regarded as the greatest dunk contest duel of all time, with both athletes pushing the limits of creativity, athleticism, and showmanship. Gordon’s under-the-legs, over-the-mascot dunk is now a permanent highlight in NBA lore, a feat that earned him a perfect score from the judges and thunderous applause from fans. Yet despite the brilliance of his routines, Gordon came up just short in the judges’ tally, leaving the court without the trophy that many believe he rightly deserved.

In 2020, Gordon returned with even more spectacular dunks, culminating in a jaw-dropping leap over 7-foot-5 center Tacko Fall — a dunk that once again earned him a perfect score from the audience, but not from the judges. The result was another second-place finish, this time to Derrick Jones Jr., and another outcry from fans and players alike who believed Gordon had been snubbed once again. Frustrated but composed, Gordon famously declared he was “done” with the Slam Dunk Contest, stating at the time that he had done everything he could do and that he had nothing left to prove. That quote lingered in the minds of fans, a symbolic full stop on one of the most compelling dunk contest narratives in NBA history — until now.

When asked what changed his mind, Gordon smiled and shrugged. “I just feel like I’ve got unfinished business,” he said. “There’s still something there I want to grab, and that’s the championship. I’ve been close too many times. I’ve had the crowd, I’ve had the dunks, but I haven’t had the title. It’s time.”

The announcement comes at an intriguing time in Gordon’s career. At 29 years old, the high-flying forward remains a key piece of the Denver Nuggets’ roster, playing a crucial role in their championship aspirations alongside two-time MVP Nikola Jokić and rising star Jamal Murray. Known for his elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and improved offensive consistency, Gordon has become one of the league’s most respected two-way players. His contributions to Denver’s 2023 NBA Championship run solidified his reputation as more than just a dunker — a transformation that’s only made his return to the contest more meaningful.

“It’s different now,” Gordon admitted. “Back then, I was seen as just a highlight guy. But I’ve grown a lot since then. I’ve matured as a player and as a person. Now I get to come back to the dunk contest not as a sideshow, but as a champion, someone who’s helped his team win at the highest level. And I think that’s powerful.”

Gordon’s decision to return is already being viewed as a potential ratings boost for the NBA, which has struggled in recent years to maintain the Slam Dunk Contest’s relevance and appeal. While the event has always been a cornerstone of All-Star Weekend, many fans and analysts have criticized recent contests for lacking creativity and star power. The absence of household names and the frequent recycling of ideas have led to calls for reform or even elimination of the contest altogether. Gordon’s presence, however, brings instant credibility and anticipation, as he is widely recognized as one of the greatest dunk contest performers to never win the crown.

Social media exploded following Gordon’s announcement. Fans posted clips of his past dunks, with captions declaring “justice must be served” and “it’s time for redemption.” Even former competitors chimed in with support. Zach LaVine, Gordon’s 2016 rival, tweeted, “AG back in the dunk contest? Let’s gooo. That man got robbed. Hope they get it right this time.” Former NBA stars and current analysts echoed similar sentiments, praising Gordon for his decision and expressing hope that the 2026 contest could be a turning point for the event’s legacy.

The format of the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest is expected to remain largely the same, with four competitors showcasing a series of dunks judged by a panel of former players and celebrities. However, league insiders have hinted that the NBA may introduce new elements to enhance fairness and fan engagement, including a possible partial fan voting component. While the league has yet to confirm the full lineup of participants, sources say Gordon’s return has already attracted interest from several young stars eager to test their skills against a veteran who helped define the modern era of dunking.

Training for the event, Gordon revealed, has already begun. “I’m taking it seriously,” he said. “This isn’t just about nostalgia. I’m not coming back just to relive the glory days. I’m coming back to win. That means pushing myself creatively, mentally, and physically to put on a show people won’t forget.”

Gordon’s creative approach to dunking has always been one of his strengths. From integrating props like drones and mascots to performing intricate, physics-defying moves with uncanny fluidity, he has consistently raised the bar. As for what he has planned this time, Gordon was predictably tight-lipped. “I can’t give it away,” he said with a grin. “But just know — I’m going bigger. I’ve been saving some ideas for a while. Now’s the time to use them.”

The significance of this moment isn’t lost on Gordon, or on the fans who have followed his journey. For a player who has achieved so much yet still carries the weight of “what could have been” when it comes to the Slam Dunk Contest, 2026 represents an opportunity for closure — and celebration. It’s a chance to rewrite the final chapter of a story that began nearly a decade ago, when a young man from San Jose took flight under the bright lights and nearly walked away with it all.

“It’s not about proving people wrong,” Gordon said. “It’s about finishing something I started. I love this game. I love the art of dunking. And I want to give it one more go, for myself, for the fans, and for everyone who ever felt like they came up short but kept going anyway.”

As the basketball world turns its eyes toward the 2026 All-Star Weekend, anticipation is already building. Can Gordon finally capture the elusive title that has danced just out of reach for so long? Can he deliver one more performance for the ages, one that silences the doubters and crowns him at last as Slam Dunk Champion?

Only time will tell. But if history is any indication, Aaron Gordon isn’t just coming back — he’s coming back with a purpose. And that may be all the motivation he needs to finally soar above the rest.