Los Angeles – While Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat took home the trophy at the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest held at the Intuit Dome on Saturday, another name dominated the conversation online: Mac McClung. The G League veteran and three-time defending champion, opted out of this year’s competition, citing “a bunch of reasons,” but quickly reminded fans of his aerial prowess with a series of highlight-reel dunks posted to his social media accounts.
The videos, released in the aftermath of Johnson’s win, showcase four dunks McClung said he had prepared for the contest. The display immediately sparked debate among basketball fans, with many arguing that McClung’s absent presence was keenly felt and that his prepared dunks surpassed those seen in the actual competition. The contrast highlighted a recurring theme in recent years: the Dunk Contest often lacks the participation of the NBA’s biggest stars.
Johnson, who averages 7.6 minutes per game for the Heat this season, won the contest with a series of dunks described as ranging from “acceptable to good,” according to reports. He competed against Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson. The field, as has become common, was largely comprised of players not typically in the league’s spotlight.
McClung’s decision to sit out the contest was a talking point leading up to the event. Yet, his social media response has amplified the discussion, prompting many to question whether the NBA Dunk Contest can regain its former glory without consistent participation from its most dynamic players. The debate centers on whether the contest needs a revamp to attract top-tier talent or if it’s simply a showcase for emerging dunkers.
The 2026 contest, while awarding Johnson the championship, drew criticism from fans online, many of whom pointed to McClung’s absence and the perceived lack of high-flying theatrics. TalkSport reported that fans felt the contest was missing the excitement McClung consistently brought to the event.
McClung’s previous three victories – an unprecedented run in the competition – had revitalized interest in the Dunk Contest. His innovative and athletic dunks set a new standard, and his absence was noticeable. NBA.com highlighted McClung’s past success, including a video compilation of his three championship runs.
The question now is whether the NBA will address the concerns raised by fans and players alike. Will the league implement changes to incentivize greater participation from star players? Or will the Dunk Contest continue to be a platform for lesser-known athletes to showcase their skills? The league has not yet commented on potential changes to the contest format.
For now, Mac McClung remains the unofficial king of the dunk, at least in the eyes of many basketball fans. His social media display served as a potent reminder of his dunking ability and sparked a renewed conversation about the future of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The debate is sure to continue as the league looks ahead to the 2027 event.
What do you think? Should the NBA offer larger incentives to attract more star players to the Dunk Contest? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!
