Mac McClung did not compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, but he still managed to become one of the biggest storylines of All-Star Weekend.
The three-time defending champion chose to sit out this year’s event, announcing last month that he would not participate for “a bunch of reasons.”
In his absence, the contest moved forward with a field that reflected a recent trend: promising but relatively unestablished players. Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson, who is averaging 7.6 minutes per game this season, won the competition Saturday night with a set of four dunks that ranged from solid to impressive. He edged out San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and Orlando Magic rookie Jase Richardson.
An absence that was felt at the All-Star Game
McClung‘s absence was noticeable. The G League veteran has defined the modern version of the event, winning the last three contests and positioning himself for what would have been an unprecedented fourth consecutive title. Instead of chasing history on the All-Star stage, he released video of four dunks he said he would have attempted had he entered the 2026 field.
According to McClung, one of the planned dunks involved clearing a rotating platform before finishing with a reverse slam, a concept that combined timing and vertical explosion. Another would have featured a midair switch from a standard grip to a double-clutch finish while vaulting over multiple seated participants.
A third concept reportedly included a high-degree spin off the glass before catching and finishing in one motion. The fourth dunk was described as his most ambitious: a blind catch off a lob that required him to locate the ball late and adjust mid-flight before completing a windmill variation.
Some monster dunks were delivered
On video, the attempts appeared clean and controlled. As with many of McClung‘s previous entries, the dunks emphasized hang time, body control and creativity rather than pure power. Still, there is an important distinction between executing a dunk in a controlled gym setting and delivering it on command in front of a live arena and a judging panel. The dunk contest has long been as much about consistency under pressure as it is about imagination.
McClung has earned the benefit of the doubt in that regard. He has completed 12 dunks across three contests under the bright lights of All-Star Weekend, building a reputation as one of the most reliable performers in the event’s recent history. That track record gives weight to the idea that he might have elevated the 2026 competition had he participated.
At the same time, the broader issues facing the dunk contest extend beyond one player’s decision. The lack of established stars has become a recurring theme, and McClung‘s dominance in recent years underscored how difficult it has been to convince top-tier All-Stars to participate. The fact that the contest’s most accomplished recent champion chose not to compete – and then showcased a separate collection of high-difficulty dunks – highlights the challenge of maintaining relevance and star power.
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