Mac McClung addressed his absence from the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in an interview with Cyro Asseo of HoopsHype.
“Originally, I told everybody I was done… I was pretty much saying, ‘I’m not going to do it,’” McClung said, noting he prepared in case circumstances changed.
The 27-year-old Windy City Bulls guard cited scheduling and hesitancy among other players as reasons for sitting out. “People didn’t want to do it if I was doing it, and I thought it’s best if I just sit out this year and let it be,” he said.
McClung emphasized there was no ill will involved. “They’re good friends of mine… we were just trying to figure it out together,” he said, reflecting on the back-and-forth with organizers.
He also addressed the challenges that discourage other stars from participating. “So many dunks have been done… it takes a lot on your body… all eyes are on you… a lot of critique on it,” McClung explained, noting the contest’s physical and mental demands.
Despite skipping the event, McClung remains active in the league, joining the Windy City Bulls on November 9, 2025, and signing a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls on February 5, 2026.
McClung was announced as a replacement for San Antonio Spurs guard David Jones García in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game, keeping him visible in All-Star Weekend festivities.
The Dunk Contest this year features Carter Bryant (San Antonio), Keshad Johnson (Miami), Jaxson Hayes (L.A. Lakers), and Jase Richardson (Orlando), leaving McClung out despite his three consecutive titles from 2023 to 2025.
