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.

This season, the NBA's All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest, as well as the Kia Skills Challenge and the Starry 3-point Contest, will air on TNT and truTV as part of All-Star Saturday Night. These channels are all available on platforms like DirecTV, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV, as well as on Max.