Keshad Johnson’s path from going undrafted to becoming the Heat’s Slam Dunk Contest champion has left him feeling thankful for how far he has come, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Johnson reflected on the challenges he overcame to reach the NBA and the significance of achieving a moment he had envisioned for years.
“I beat the odds. I made it. I made it into the NBA,” he said.
“I dreamed of every year I was watching the NBA dunk contest, I dreamed of being out there, putting on a show for everybody … I learned from all the people that came before me, paying homage to them, and now I’m here.”
Johnson added that beyond winning the competition, he was most excited about introducing himself to a broader audience and allowing fans to see who he is both on and off the court.
“Now they know who I am,” the Miami Heat small forward said.
He has appeared in 21 games in 2025-26, averaging 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game while shooting 40.4% from the field.
Jase Richardson wasn't seriously injured in a hard fall during the Dunk Contest, plus more from All-Star Weekend. https://t.co/kIzM3dS3LX
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 16, 2026
