"It's been a whirlwind journey to get to this point for McClung. He initially went undrafted back in 2021, ultimately inking his first pro deal with the South Bay Lakers, the Los Angeles Lakers' G League affiliate. McClung made his NBA debut with the playoff-bound DeMar DeRozan/Zach LaVine-era Bulls midway through the 2021-22 season, signing two 10-day deals with Chicago in December and January. He closed out the year with South Bay."
"Though it had long been the highlight of the All-Star experience, the Slam Dunk Contest been feeling a little stale ever since the end of the Zach LaVine/Aaron Gordon showdowns. That was, until McClung almost singlehandedly reinvigorated the event. McClung's relentless motor, his clever use of human, automotive, and team mascot co-stars, and his insane body control have endeared him to the masses. His legend may have first been made in the Dunk Contests, but now he's looking for more."
"This year, as All-Star Weekend shifts to Los Angeles, things are going to feel a bit incomplete. Mac McClung won't be partaking at all. The 27-year-old had been prepping for a bid to win his fourth straight Slam Dunk Contest this year, before ultimately deciding against it. Now, in partnership with VKTRY insoles, McClung intends to release the four dunks he cooked up on Saturday via social media, following the Dunk Contest."
Mac McClung signed a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls and will compete for playing time among numerous new backcourt pieces late in the 2025-26 season. He went undrafted in 2021 and began his pro career with the South Bay Lakers before brief NBA stints, including two 10-day deals with Chicago in 2021-22. McClung logged time with the 76ers, Magic, and G League affiliates through 2022-25, and became a fan favorite through three consecutive dominant Slam Dunk Contest showings. He prepared for a fourth dunk contest but opted out, planning to release four dunks on social media with VKTRY.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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