Three-time NBA Dunk Contest Champ Skips This Year's Competition

Mac McClung cites other players' reluctance to participate if he was involved as reason for sitting out.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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For the first time in four seasons, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest will have a new winner, as reigning three-time champion Mac McClung has decided not to participate this year. McClung revealed that other 'big-name guys' who were close friends of his planned to back out of the event if he competed, so he felt it was best to sit out and let them have the spotlight.

Why it matters

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has faced criticism in recent years for lacking star power, with players like Draymond Green calling out the practice of teams signing players just to compete in the event. McClung's decision to sit out this year's competition raises further questions about the future of the popular All-Star Weekend showcase.

The details

McClung, 27, has won the past three NBA Slam Dunk Contests, becoming the first player to win the competition three times in a row. However, his victories have come with some criticism, as McClung has played in just 10 NBA games across four seasons, with teams often calling him up from the G-League specifically to participate in the dunk contest. This season, McClung has played in only four NBA games with the Pacers and Bulls, spending most of his time in the G-League, where he is averaging 27.7 points and 7.5 assists.

  • McClung revealed in January that he would not be participating in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
  • McClung won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

The players

Mac McClung

A 27-year-old guard who has won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest three times in a row, despite playing in only 10 NBA games across four seasons.

Draymond Green

A four-time NBA All-Star who has criticized the dunk contest for featuring players who are not regularly in the NBA.

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What they’re saying

“Originally, I told everybody I was done. I retired after the third year, and they're good friends of mine. We're in contact a lot, and they were talking about this next year, and I was pretty much saying: 'I'm not going to do it.'”

— Mac McClung (HoopsHype)

“I think with that it's kind of died down like you've got guys in there that's not in the NBA. It's crazy. … I worked this hard to be an All-Star and you can be in dunk contests without an NBA contract.”

— Draymond Green, Four-time NBA All-Star (Draymond Green's Podcast)

What’s next

The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest will take place on Saturday, February 15th, with a new champion set to be crowned.

The takeaway

McClung's decision to sit out the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest highlights the ongoing challenges facing the event, as the league struggles to attract top stars and maintain the prestige of the competition. This year's contest will provide an opportunity for new talent to emerge and potentially revitalize interest in the dunk contest.