When the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest begins at the Intuit Dome on Saturday night, there won't be any thoughts of "here we go again."
Mac McClung, the winner of the past three contests, is not participating. For the first time since 2022, the NBA will crown a new winner.
If that weren't the case, the chances would be high that McClung would enter the 2026 contest as the runaway favorite to make NBA history by becoming the first player to win it all four times.
But after three, McClung was ready to call it a (dunking) career.
Is Mac McClung Injured?
Yes, but that's not the reason behind his absence on Saturday.
Well before this week, McClung told the league he would be sitting out this season. In a sit-down with HoopsHype, McClung revealed his mind was made up after last year's event.
"I prepared anyway, just in case maybe I would," McClung said.
After the initial consideration, McClung heard through the grapevine that potential participants were unwilling to be a part of the contest if he was involved. That helped him make a final decision.
"I thought it’s best if I just sit out this year and let it be, no matter what," he told HoopsHype.
Even if there was a commitment, McClung might've been a late scratch anyway. The slam dunk champ started dealing with a setback recently, which affected his standing in the NBA's Rising Stars competition on Friday night.
McClung was named an injury replacement for the team that was filled with G League prospects. Unfortunately, a calf injury sidelined him for the event, giving Miami Heat's Jahmir Young a chance to participate.
Focused on the Bigger Picture
McClung is one of the most famous dunkers in NBA history-but he hasn't carved out a steady role on an NBA roster.
Since going undrafted in 2021, McClung has played for the South Bay Lakers, Windy City Bulls, Delaware Blue Coats, and the Osceola Magic of the NBA G League. At the primary level, he's had runs with the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, and the Chicago Bulls. He's currently in his second Chicago stint, on a two-way contract.
McClung's primary goal is to stick in the NBA. Despite landing seven-figure offers to play overseas, the bigger picture is playing in the NBA. The Bulls are currently willing to keep McClung in the building to continue developing. He's doing it without the fanfare of being a four-time dunk champion.
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