After another ho-hum Slam Dunk Contest in the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, one has to wonder if three-time champion Mac McClung could’ve at least made things interesting.
McClung, who’s on a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls and currently plays for their NBA G League affiliate Windy City Bulls, won the Slam Dunk Contest in each of the past three seasons, each time putting on a show and singlehandedly electrifying the crowd with his creativity and mad hops.
This year, however, the 27-year-old guard decided against going for a fourth straight title and instead opted to sit out since potential participants were begging off themselves. But evidently, McClung “prepared anyway, just in case maybe I would [join the contest].”
It turns out, the three-time dunk champ had some sick dunks in his arsenal. Check them out:
Mac McClung Focusing on Earning NBA Roster Spot
The explosive guard is understandably focusing his attention now on making an NBA roster and staying there. After going undrafted, Mac McClung has played mostly in the G League, spending time with the South Bay Lakers, Windy City Bulls, Delaware Blue Coats, and Osceola Magic.
In fact, he was at the G League when the NBA asked him to take part in the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest, where he bested Trey Murphy III, Jericho Simms, and Kenyon Martin Jr. McClung defended that title twice but never got the chance to stick to the NBA, even though he’s had stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, and the Chicago Bulls. This season is his second go-round with the Bulls, but he is still on a two-way contract.
Keshad Johnson Wins Slam Dunk Contest
Without McClung, it was a virtual free for all in this year’s 2026 Slam Dunk Contest. And the Miami Heat’s Keshad Johnson seized the moment, taking home the crown after defeating San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in the final round. Johnson had a total score of 97.4 thanks to a 49.6 on his first dunk in the final and a 47.8 on his last slam.
It was a well-earned victory for Johnson, although things could’ve been different and more exciting if Mac McClung entered.
