Mac McClung of the Bulls demonstrates he could have claimed another Slam Dunk Contest victory.

Although he chose not to participate in this year’s NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Mac McClung made it clear that he still possesses the creativity and athleticism that could have earned him yet another title.

Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung reacts in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Now a two-way guard for the Chicago Bulls, McClung previously etched his name into All-Star Weekend history by capturing three consecutive Slam Dunk Contest crowns. That remarkable run already places him alongside Nate Robinson for the most contest victories ever. However, McClung stands alone as the only player to win the event three straight times — a feat that has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest dunkers the competition has ever seen.

Heading into the 2026 festivities in Los Angeles, McClung had a chance to do something unprecedented: claim a fourth trophy and become the sole record-holder in contest history. Instead, he opted to step away, telling HoopsHype that he felt it was time to move on. Despite that decision, he clearly hasn’t lost his edge.

In fact, McClung revealed that he had quietly prepared a fresh set of dunks in case he decided to reverse course and compete again. Ultimately, he stuck with his choice to sit out. Still, he didn’t let the work go to waste. Partnering with VKTRY, McClung released videos of four brand-new slams on social media — and each one looked capable of winning a contest outright.

The timing of the release, coinciding with All-Star Weekend, only heightened the buzz. Fans quickly noted that the creativity and execution on display arguably surpassed what was seen during this year’s official competition.

The first dunk in the package showcased McClung’s effortless explosiveness. He soared over another person before cocking the ball back and throwing it down with authority. While it wasn’t overloaded with intricate mechanics, the elevation and flair would almost certainly have earned high marks from judges. Sometimes simplicity, when executed at an elite level, is just as impressive.

The second attempt may have been even more jaw-dropping. Filmed at the Bulls’ practice facility, McClung tossed the ball to himself, leapt, tapped it against his toes in midair, and then finished with a smooth reverse jam. The coordination required for that sequence — not to mention the hang time — was extraordinary. It’s easy to imagine judges flashing perfect scores had that dunk been performed under the bright lights of All-Star Saturday night.

Next came a sideways, between-the-legs reverse slam that blended classic dunk contest style with modern flair. McClung made the complex maneuver look routine, gliding through the air before flushing it home. His control and body awareness stood out just as much as his vertical leap.

He closed the sequence with another creative self-lob. This time, the ball was tossed from underneath him, and he caught it mid-flight before hammering it through the rim from behind his head. While perhaps not the most technically difficult dunk for an athlete of his caliber, the presentation and smooth execution would have placed it firmly in 50-point territory.

To be fair, the 2026 finalists — including Keshad Johnson and Carter Bryant — delivered a respectable showcase at the Intuit Dome. The contest was widely viewed as more competitive and imaginative than some of the lackluster editions that preceded McClung’s emergence as the event’s centerpiece. Even so, there remains a noticeable gap between a solid performance and the kind of showmanship McClung consistently brings.

What sets McClung apart isn’t just his leaping ability. It’s the careful planning, storytelling, and innovation embedded in each dunk. He approaches the contest like a craftsman, designing attempts that blend nostalgia, difficulty, and entertainment value. That formula helped revive interest in an event that had been criticized for lacking star power and originality in previous years.

Given the reaction to his latest social media release, speculation has already begun about whether he might reconsider his retirement from the contest. With the 2027 event on the horizon, league officials would undoubtedly welcome the opportunity to see him chase a historic fourth title. The storyline alone — attempting to break the tie with Robinson and stand alone atop the record books — would generate significant excitement.

For now, though, McClung seems content letting his highlights speak for themselves. Even without stepping onto the All-Star stage this year, he managed to dominate conversation around the dunk contest once again. His latest package served as both a reminder of his unmatched aerial artistry and a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been.

If these four dunks are any indication, McClung remains firmly in his prime. And should he ever decide to return, history suggests the rest of the field would once again be competing for second place.