MVP, All-First Team, and a Championship! Why Can't Two-Time Slam Dunk Champion Mac McClung Make It in the NBA?

Mac McClung is a name that basketball fans are familiar with, especially after his electrifying performances in the Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend. McClung isn’t a household name because of his play in the NBA—he’s had just a handful of appearances on the court—but rather due to his incredible ability to fly above the rim and pull off jaw-dropping dunks. Having won the contest in both 2023 and 2024, McClung’s high-flying feats have earned him a place in the spotlight, despite his struggles to carve out a consistent role in the NBA.

Recently, McClung signed a partially guaranteed contract with the Orlando Magic. This deal is a big step for him, yet many still question why McClung, who boasts a resume that includes two NBA Slam Dunk Contest titles, a G League MVP, and a G League Championship, hasn’t been able to secure a more stable position in the NBA. His story raises the question: How can someone so successful in the G League struggle to make it in the world’s top basketball league?

To understand McClung’s journey, it’s essential to first look at his standout performances in the G League and how they contrast with his limited opportunities in the NBA.

A Dunking Sensation

McClung’s claim to fame began with his incredible 2023 Slam Dunk Contest performance, his first time participating in the event. In an era when the contest had lost some of its luster, McClung’s entry breathed new life into the competition. He completed all of his dunks on the first attempt and earned nearly perfect scores across the board: 50, 49.8, 50, and 50. His final dunk, a 540-degree spin that left the audience—and several players—visibly stunned, was a showstopper that solidified his place as a champion.

McClung’s second contest in 2024 didn’t quite have the same shock value, but he still managed to put on a spectacular show. His first dunk of the contest, a unique "lost and found" maneuver, impressed the judges, and he earned the only perfect score of the event after leaping over Shaquille O’Neal for his final dunk. McClung walked away with his second consecutive dunk title, adding yet another accolade to his growing list of achievements.

Dunking has been McClung’s main claim to fame, but his basketball career encompasses far more than highlight-reel slams. His story is one of perseverance, a player fighting for recognition on a grander stage.

Dominating the G League

Though McClung’s NBA experience is limited—just four games played, with stints for the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers—his performances in the G League tell a different story.

McClung went undrafted in 2021 but quickly found a role with the South Bay Lakers, the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate. In his 26 games with South Bay, McClung averaged 21.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, solidifying his status as a standout player. His performances earned him two short-term contracts with the Chicago Bulls, but his NBA debut was brief, logging just one game with minimal impact.

The following season, McClung found himself bouncing around. After a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors, who cut him before the season began, he landed with the 76ers’ G League affiliate on an Exhibit 10 contract. Though he was once again cut from the NBA squad, McClung thrived in the G League, playing 31 games and averaging 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on shooting splits of 54.8% from the field, 47.4% from three, and 82.3% from the line.

Not only did McClung put up great individual numbers, but he also played a key role in leading the Delaware Blue Coats, the 76ers’ G League affiliate, to a championship. In the postseason, McClung elevated his game even further, averaging 25.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. His 30-point, 8-assist performance in the championship game was nothing short of superstar-level, showcasing the kind of player he can be in the right environment.

His G League success didn’t stop there. During the 2023-24 season with the Orlando Magic’s G League affiliate, McClung averaged 25.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, while shooting 50.7% from the field, 39.6% from deep, and 84.3% from the free-throw line. He led his team to a 19-8 record in games he played, was named to the G League All-First Team, and even earned MVP honors.

So, with all of these accomplishments—dunk contest wins, G League MVP, All-First Team honors, and a championship—why can’t McClung break into the NBA?

The Gap Between the G League and the NBA

The simplest explanation lies in the difference between the competition levels in the G League and the NBA. While McClung can dominate the G League, the transition to the NBA has proven much more difficult.

At 6'2" (1.88 meters) and 185 pounds (84 kg), McClung is considered undersized for a shooting guard in the NBA. His explosive athleticism, which allows him to stand out in the G League and dunk contests, doesn’t translate as easily against the elite-level talent in the NBA. In a league where many players are bigger, stronger, and faster, McClung’s ability to get to the rim is often neutralized by superior defenders. Additionally, while his shooting percentages in the G League are impressive, there’s no guarantee he would be able to replicate those numbers against NBA competition.

Another factor is the defensive side of the ball. At the NBA level, McClung’s relatively small frame can be a liability, especially when he’s matched up against larger guards and wings. Despite his effort and energy, it’s difficult for McClung to consistently defend NBA players, which makes it hard for him to secure a regular spot in a rotation.

Moreover, many NBA teams already have established players or high-upside prospects filling their rosters. The Orlando Magic, for example, have young guards like Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs vying for minutes off the bench, making it difficult for McClung to earn consistent playing time.

Can McClung Break Through?

There’s no denying McClung’s talent. He’s proven time and again that he has the skills to be a star in the G League, and his dunking exploits have made him a fan favorite. However, the gap between the G League and NBA is significant, and McClung’s physical limitations may be the reason he struggles to find a long-term spot in the NBA.

McClung’s story isn’t over, though. He’s shown resilience and perseverance in his basketball journey, and his new deal with the Magic provides him another chance to prove he belongs in the league. It may take a few more stops, a few more stints in the G League, and perhaps even another dazzling performance in the Slam Dunk Contest, but McClung has proven he won’t stop chasing his NBA dreams.

For now, fans can continue to enjoy watching McClung’s high-flying dunks and G League dominance.