Chicago's McClung to Replace San Antonio's Jones Garcia in 2026 Castrol Rising Stars

McClung, a three-time AT&T Slam Dunk Contest champion, will join Team Austin in the annual showcase of top NBA rookies and sophomores.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 5:55pm

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The NBA announced that Chicago Bulls guard Mac McClung will replace injured San Antonio Spurs guard David Jones Garcia on Team Austin for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars event during NBA All-Star Weekend. Jones Garcia is unable to participate due to a right ankle injury.

Why it matters

The Castrol Rising Stars game is a highly anticipated annual showcase that features some of the NBA's most promising young talent. McClung's selection is a testament to his impressive performance this season and the growing excitement around his potential as a rising star in the league.

The details

McClung, who the Bulls signed to a two-way contract on February 5, 2026, has appeared in three regular season games with the Indiana Pacers this season, averaging 6.3 points in 11.3 minutes per game. He is a three-time AT&T Slam Dunk Contest champion, further adding to the anticipation for his participation in the Rising Stars event.

  • McClung was signed by the Bulls on a two-way contract on February 5, 2026.
  • The 2026 Castrol Rising Stars will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The players

Mac McClung

A guard for the Chicago Bulls who was recently signed to a two-way contract and is a three-time AT&T Slam Dunk Contest champion.

David Jones Garcia

A guard for the San Antonio Spurs who is unable to participate in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars due to a right ankle injury.

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What’s next

The 2026 Castrol Rising Stars will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, as part of NBA All-Star Weekend.

The takeaway

McClung's selection to replace the injured Jones Garcia in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars is an exciting opportunity for the young Bulls guard to showcase his skills and athleticism on a national stage, further cementing his status as one of the league's up-and-coming talents.