Mac McClung still chasing permanent NBA role despite historic dunk contest run
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CHICAGO — Three-time defending NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner Mac McClung, 27, remains focused on securing a full-season roster spot after another year oscillating between the G League and the NBA.
The Windy City Bulls guard, who in 2023, 2024 and 2025 became the first player to win the dunk event three straight times, declined to enter the 2026 competition in hopes of showcasing his complete game. He instead accepted a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 7, one week before All-Star Weekend.
McClung’s current deal marks his second NBA call-up of the 2025-26 season. Indiana signed him to a standard two-year contract on Oct. 24, but waived him seven days later after four appearances. His brief stint included a 12-point performance against Atlanta on Oct. 31.
Back-and-forth schedule
Since returning to Chicago’s organization, McClung scored four points in 13 minutes for the Bulls on Feb. 5, then dropped 33 points and seven assists for Windy City the next night. The guard has played 10 total NBA games for five franchises while spending time with four G League clubs in five seasons.
Despite “millions of dollars” in overseas offers, the Gate City, Virginia, native insists his priority remains an NBA breakthrough. “You can’t keep telling me no forever,” he said.
Dunk fame versus NBA reality
McClung’s aerial exploits — leaping over a Kia, hurdling Shaquille O’Neal and slamming two balls at once — revived the dunk contest’s ratings but have not translated into lasting NBA security. League officials and scouts told ESPN he must improve three-point consistency; he is shooting a career-low 33 percent from deep this G League season after hitting 39.3 percent over his first four years.
At 6-foot-2, evaluators also question his size for a full-time back-court role. Supporters, however, cite his speed, leadership and G League résumé, which includes the 2024 MVP award (25.7 PPG, 51.5% FG) and a 2023 league championship with Delaware.
From viral dunks to relentless pursuit
McClung first gained national attention in high school when his Instagram dunk highlights drew millions of views. He went on to break state scoring records, play college ball at Georgetown and Texas Tech, and sign with Puma in 2023. A limited-edition signature shoe is scheduled to debut during All-Star Weekend, even as a calf strain threatens his participation in Friday’s Rising Stars game, where he would represent the G League team as an injury replacement.
The guard continues workouts at suburban Chicago facilities shared with pickleball players, a stark contrast to NBA arenas packed for his show-stopping dunks. Yet the former YouTube sensation says the setbacks only fuel his determination to prove he belongs in the league full time.
Source: ESPN
