Three-time defending Slam Dunk contest champion Mac McClung won't participate in the 2026 event during All-Star Weekend, his father, Marcus McClung, told ESPN's Anthony Olivieri.
"Not going to be four in a row," Marcus McClung told ESPN. "Not one reason that I could say that was the main reason. In my opinion, it is more like a bunch of reasons that just pointed to him not doing it."
McClung echoed his father's comments last week in a post on X, saying that he'll release the dunks he prepared for the event after All-Star Weekend.
The 27-year-old has previously expressed concerns about being viewed only as a talented dunker rather than an all-around player, Olivieri adds.
McClung, who has played in nine NBA games across five teams, is currently a member of the Chicago Bulls' G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. Earlier this season, he signed his first standard NBA contract with the Indiana Pacers. During his brief stint with Indiana, McClung averaged 6.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in 11.3 minutes over three appearances before being waived in early November to make room for the addition of veteran guard Monte Morris.
McClung remains the only participant to win the Slam Dunk contest in three consecutive years. Former New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson also won three times (2006, 2009, and 2010), while five others have claimed the title twice.
The 2026 Slam Dunk contest will take place Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The NBA has yet to announce any of the participants.
