The upcoming NBA All-Star weekend is set to take place in Los Angeles at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, from February 13 to 15. One of the highlights of the celebration, the traditional dunk contest, will occur on Saturday, but it will notably lack the presence of the reigning champion, Mac McClung.
McClung, who recently competed with the Chicago Bulls’ G-League team, announced that he will not defend his title this year, thus ending his impressive streak of three consecutive victories in the dunk contest. Although he has been training over the past few months for another chance at glory, he ultimately made the choice to sit this contest out. Fans can still look forward to seeing the special dunks he crafted, which he plans to release post-event.
Despite McClung’s absence, which may create opportunities for a new competitor to claim the crown, the dunk contest has seen diminishing popularity among current players. The league’s reliance on McClung to draw viewers has been challenged by his decision to withdraw, leaving organizers scrambling to fill the contest lineup. As of now, no participants have been confirmed for the 2026 dunk contest, leaving room for speculation about who might step up to the challenge.
Last year’s event included a mere four contestants: McClung, Matas Buzelis of the Bulls, Spurs’ rookie Stephon Castle, and Andre Jackson Jr. from the Bucks. With McClung out, the remaining candidates from last year could return, but interest from key players is questionable. Rising star VJ Edgecombe from the Philadelphia 76ers, when asked about participating, declined emphatically, reflecting a broader sentiment among players regarding the contest.
This situation highlights a concerning trend for the NBA, particularly for fans nostalgic for the excitement of past dunk contests. However, the shift may also open doors for new talent to make their mark and reinvigorate interest in the event. The hope is that upcoming participants can create memorable moments that rekindle the thrill that was once a staple of the All-Star festivities.