Mac McClung Reveals the 4 Dunks He Would Have Attempted in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest has come and gone, but the biggest story of the night didn’t happen on the court in Indianapolis. It happened on social media, hours after the trophy was handed out. Mac McClung, the three-time champion who opted out of this year’s competition, released footage of the four dunks he had prepared for a potential four-peat.
The video dropped like a bomb on the basketball world, instantly overshadowing Keshad Johnson’s victory and reigniting a fierce debate about the state of the league’s marquee All-Star Saturday event. For fans who felt the contest lacked its usual spark, McClung’s “what could have been” reel was a painful reminder of the creativity left on the sidelines.
Here is a breakdown of the dunks McClung had in his bag, why he sat out, and what this means for the future of the high-flying showcase.
The Viral Video That Stole the Show
While Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson took home the hardware, the buzz belonged to McClung. The Chicago Bulls’ guard, who dominated the event from 2023 to 2025, posted a video shortly after the contest concluded. The footage showcased a level of vertical explosion and technical difficulty that many argued was missing from the actual broadcast.
The four dunks included:
- The Unique Arm Movement: In a dunk similar to what Jordan Kliganon would attempt in Dunk Kings, McClung would leap over someone and put his arm over his head and dunk the ball.
- Shoe Clicker: The second dunk was a reverse clutch that would touch his shoes before finishing in the end.
- Between the legs reverse slam: Using an East Bay into a backwards two-handed finish.
- Alley Oop Finish: A dunk that was similar to one of the ones he has done in a different contest, where he let go of the ball before he dunked, but this time he is doing that off the lob.
Social media reaction was swift and merciless toward the actual contest. Comments flooded timelines claiming McClung would have easily secured his fourth consecutive title had he suited up. The video didn’t just show dunks; it showed a master at work who had prepared specifically to outdo himself, even if he ultimately decided not to compete.
Why Did McClung Sit Out?
The question on everyone’s mind was simple: If he had these dunks ready, why didn’t he jump?
McClung’s reasoning sheds light on a growing issue within the NBA’s All-Star festivities. According to the champion, he heard rumblings that other potential participants were hesitant to sign up if he was in the field. Essentially, his dominance had become a deterrent.
“I didn’t want to be the reason guys didn’t want to dunk,” McClung suggested in statements following his decision. He stepped aside in hopes of encouraging a fresh field of competitors and allowing new stars to shine.
Despite this decision, the competitor in him couldn’t stop training. He prepared the routine “just in case” he changed his mind or was called upon to save the event at the last minute. When he didn’t, he chose to share his hard work with the fans who had supported his journey from viral high school sensation to NBA pro.
The Current State of the Dunk Contest
The 2026 contest faced immediate criticism for a lack of star power and creativity. While Keshad Johnson, Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, and Jase Richardson put on a respectable show, the electricity associated with the event’s golden eras was noticeably absent.
McClung had become the event’s unofficial savior over the past three years. He is one of only two players in history to win three titles, and the only one to do it in three consecutive years. His absence created a vacuum that the 2026 field struggled to fill.
The “McClung Effect” highlights a broader problem for the NBA. The contest relies heavily on individual brilliance and viral moments. When established stars refuse to participate—a trend going back decades now—and the specialist kings like McClung step aside, the product suffers.
What This Means for 2027 and Beyond
The release of these “lost tapes” puts pressure on the league to rethink the format or the incentives for the Slam Dunk Contest. If the defining highlight of the night is an Instagram video from a guy in a practice gym, the main event has a problem.
McClung has not committed to a return in 2027. His comments leave his future in the competition ambiguous. However, his rising profile with the Chicago Bulls may change the calculus. As he solidifies his place in the league, he may feel less pressure to be the “dunk contest guy” and more freedom to compete on his own terms.
For now, basketball fans are left with a tantalizing “what if.” We know what Mac McClung could have done. The question is whether the NBA can find the next generation of flyers to make us forget about the dunks we didn’t get to see live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
A: Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat won the 2026 contest, defeating runner-up Carter Bryant.
Q: Why didn’t Mac McClung compete in 2026?
A: McClung opted out because he believed his participation was discouraging other players from entering the contest. He wanted to give other dunkers a chance to shine.
Q: How many Dunk Contests has Mac McClung won?
A: Mac McClung has won three NBA Slam Dunk Contests (2023, 2024, and 2025), making him the only player to win three consecutively.
The Future of Flight
Mac McClung revealing the 4 dunks he would have attempted in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest is more than just a viral moment; it’s a commentary on the state of the All-Star weekend. As the league looks toward 2027, the challenge will be finding a way to bring that level of excitement back to the hardwood, whether McClung is wearing a jersey or watching from the sidelines.
