Heading into the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend on Saturday night, Orlando Magic two-way guard Mac McClung was looking to defend his crown as a two-time champ. He would be competing against a pair of rookie lottery picks (San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle,

There is a noticeable lack of star talent in the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. While there are some high-flyers in the field, including back-to-back reigning dunk contest champion Mac McClung as well as Andre Jackson Jr. and rookies Stephon Castle and Matas Buzelis, the lack of a big name in the pool is a bit disappointing—albeit not too surprising.

Many of the greatest NBA players have participated in the Slam Dunk Contest, however, here are the 10 best dunkers that skipped the event.