Mac McClung will once again participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, which should be entertaining but comes with a caveat.
McClung is clearly the best thing that the contest has going for it considering he has won two seasons in a row and is looking to defend his title for a third consecutive championship.
It is starting to feel egregious, though, that McClung continues to participate without a roster spot in the NBA. Currently signed to a two-way deal for the Orlando Magic, the 26-year-old former undrafted free agent has played just five minutes in the NBA so far this season.
MAC MCCLUNG: Dunk champion makes his case for why he believes he should be in the NBA
Since he turned pro in 2021, he has played just five games total and has not played more than two NBA games in a single season.
McClung has recorded just two dunks during his combined seasons in the leaugue, per Stathead. He should at least get the opportunity to actually dunk during NBA contests if the league is going to keep asking him to help save its All-Star Weekend product.
When he actually gets playing time in the G League, he is hardly a bad player. He was named 2024 NBA G League MVP, 2023 NBA G League Champion, and 2022 NBA G League Rookie of the Year.
Last year, he also led the G League in scoring and threw down some dunks during games as well. He had 13 dunks for Orlando’s G League affiliate last season and 14 the season prior.
McClung is capable of throwing them down in an NBA game, too, and not just during garbage minutes. But if no teams feel he is a worthwhile addition to their actual NBA roster, enough with this song and dance.
