Mac McClung proves the NBA Slam Dunk Contest doesn’t need stars, just passionate showmen

SAN FRANCISCO — The NBA Slam Dunk Contest is in need of revitalization. What it truly requires is the participation of the league’s stars.https://svtoday.org/

How often have you seen or heard that sentiment?

Saturday night proved that the issue isn’t about getting the stars involved. It’s about having competitors who genuinely care about the contest.

Mac McClung is far from a household name. With just five NBA appearances and most of his career spent in the G League, he doesn’t fit the typical profile of a star. But the 6-foot-2 guard is deeply passionate about the dunk contest, and that passion was on full display once again as he secured his third consecutive victory on Saturday. McClung became the first to win three straight titles, joining Nate Robinson as the only other three-time winner.

Before the contest, McClung admitted that he had considered walking away from the competition. “I thought about hanging it up,” he said, “but I never want to say never.”

But what happens to the contest if McClung steps away? It’s not about seeking out a big-name player to join. What’s crucial is finding competitors who have a love for both dunking and entertaining the crowd.

The crowd at the Chase Center rallied behind McClung, who was named G League MVP for the Osceola Magic. And if other players step up with similarly jaw-dropping dunks, they’ll win over the fans too.

“When you feel the crowd’s energy, it gives you a whole new level of adrenaline, maybe even confidence,” McClung said. “It was awesome, really felt great. And the judges were kind to me with their scores, so that boosted my confidence. I love feeding off the crowd.”

While McClung might not be a household name during the NBA’s regular season, All-Star Saturday Night has belonged to him since 2023. The fans supported him, and NBA All-Stars watched in awe as he delivered four perfect 50-point dunks, solidifying his legacy as a dunking phenom.

McClung’s victory came during a tribute to Vince Carter’s legendary dunk performance 25 years ago at the 2000 All-Star Weekend in Oakland. Carter is widely regarded as one of the greatest dunkers of all time, and his impact on the contest is still remembered today.

“I truly love this contest, and I love dunking,” McClung said. “I’m not comparing myself to anyone else, and I don’t want to place value on my name. I’ll let the fans and the people who appreciate dunking be the judge of that.”

There’s a chance McClung might not return next year. So, what will become of the contest? Will fans and media push for stars like Ja Morant to participate? Morant hinted on social media that McClung’s dunks could inspire him to compete in the future. Shortly after, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined in, saying he’d join Morant if he ever entered the contest.

But here’s the truth: it doesn’t need to be Morant, Antetokounmpo, or any superstar to make the contest exciting. What’s essential is having players who are passionate about dunking and performing on the big stage.

Big names don’t guarantee success if the players lack dedication. McClung has demonstrated unwavering commitment, consistently captivating the audience with his dunks. The fact that he’s not a star should be irrelevant.

McClung acknowledged that preparing for the contest wasn’t easy. He had to practice daring stunts, like jumping over a car, which can be exhausting and risky. He knew that if he wanted to win, his creativity had to be on another level.

“This one took a lot out of me,” McClung admitted. “I started preparing early and really put in the work.”

McClung’s triumph serves as a reminder: you don’t have to be a star to enter the contest, but you could become one.

Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine weren’t superstars when they faced off in 2016, but the contest catapulted them into the spotlight. If Stephon Castle from San Antonio returns next year, he could be a strong challenger to McClung after his close call this year.

“I think the contest is something truly special,” McClung reflected. “People probably want bigger stars, and I’d love to see that too. But I believe it’s important that the people in the contest genuinely want to be there. Guys like Steph, Matas Buzelis, Andre Jackson Jr. — they all really wanted to be part of this. That’s what makes it so meaningful and should be appreciated.”