Nate Robinson Reveals Reason for Previously Joining NBA Dunk Contests: 'I Want You Guys to See Me'

Story by

Angelo Guinhawa

Fri, Feb 13, 2026 ·

2 min read

Former NBA player Nate Robinson is undoubtedly one of the best dunkers the league has ever seen. Standing at 5-foot-9, Robinson impressed NBA fans in the late 2000s with his athleticism and ability to jump.

Before Mac McClung won three straight dunk contest titles from 2023 to 2025, Robinson was the first and only player to win the All-Star Weekend competition three times. He did so during his time with the New York Knicks , first winning the dunk title in 2006.

Robinson lost in the dunk contest the following year, but he avenged that loss when he returned in 2009 and sealed back-to-back wins in 2010.

Now, ahead of the 2026 installment of the popular All-Star event, Robinson spoke with Athlon Sports (via Casino.org, which reviews Kalshi promo codes ) and shared his motivation behind repeatedly joining the dunk contest in the past.

According to Robinson, he wanted to share his talents with the world. Aside from that, his desire to show everyone that he "belongs" in the NBA kept pushing him.

"I had a lot of energy, man, and I wanted to be there," Robinson said about the dunk contest. "And I wanted to showcase the gift that God gave me, the ability to jump. I want to show that, especially being a little guy like myself. I wanted to let them know, 'I'm here. This is me. This is who I am. I want you guys to see me.'"

Former NBA player Nate Robinson practices before a game.Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images
(Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images)

Robinson has certainly made his mark on the league, and while he's no longer playing, there's no denying that he remains an important figure in the history of the dunk contest.

The 41-year-old former player, who was drafted 21st overall in 2005, played 11 seasons in the NBA and finished with career averages of 11.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

While he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns , he was traded to the Knicks on draft night and stayed with the New York franchise for four and a half seasons. He also played for seven other teams: the Boston Celtics , Denver Nuggets , Chicago Bulls , Golden State Warriors , Los Angeles Clippers , Oklahoma City Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans .

Robinson never became an All-Star in the NBA, but he had a lot of great and memorable years. He had his best year in 2008-09, when he averaged 17.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals. Robinson finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting that year.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.