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.

The King of the NBA, and also of the All Stars (the 2025 one will be number 21 for him) has never wanted to participate in the slam dunk contest.

While this year's 3-Point Contest sports five All-Stars — Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard, New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland, Miami Heat shooting guard Tyler Herro, and Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham — the 2025 Dunk Contest has zero.