The Chicago Bulls might not be topping the league charts right now, but they've got something special in their arsenal: the electrifying Mac McClung. Known for his jaw-dropping dunks, McClung captured the NBA Slam Dunk Contest title three years running from 2023 to 2025. This year, however, he decided to take a step back from the spotlight.
McClung recently inked a two-way contract with the Bulls in early February. Even before this move, he had already made the call to skip defending his dunk crown at the All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. Though he was slated to shine in the Rising Stars Game, a calf injury sidelined him.
In his absence, fans witnessed Keshad Johnson take the dunk contest crown, with Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, and Jase Richardson also showcasing their talents. While McClung's presence would have undoubtedly added a spark, he's shifting his focus from being labeled just a dunker to carving out a lasting NBA career.
At 27, McClung's journey is one of persistence. He went undrafted in 2021 but caught the eye of the Lakers, making a brief appearance in the 2021-22 season and spending significant time honing his skills in the G League. Since then, he's played in nine more NBA games, including two recent appearances with the Bulls.
This season, McClung has been lighting it up for the Windy City Bulls, averaging an impressive 23.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, while shooting 51.7% from the field and 39.7% from beyond the arc.
For many, McClung is synonymous with his high-flying dunks, a reputation that dates back to his high school days in Virginia. Yet, as he shared with ESPN, he's eager to showcase the full breadth of his game and step out from under the "dunker" label. His decision to sit out the dunk contest, even before his injury, reflects this shift in focus.
McClung has reignited fan interest in the dunk contest, but his ambitions stretch far beyond that. He's a player to root for, not just because he's in Chicago, but because of his determination to redefine his narrative. Here's hoping McClung continues to evolve and that fans will soon recognize him for more than just his dunking prowess.