Mac McClung Named Replacement for 2026 NBA Rising Stars Game After Bulls Contract

Three-time Slam Dunk champion Mac McClung will be on hand for the NBA's 2026 All-Star festivities.

The NBA announced Saturday that McClung, who signed a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls this week, will take the place of the San Antonio Spurs' David Jones Garcia in the annual Rising Stars challenge.

Jones Garcia is sidelined for the remainder of the year due to an ankle injury, making him unavailable for the Rising Stars exhibition.

McClung has spent the bulk of his 2025-26 campaign in the NBA G League. He has averaged 25.7 points and 7.5 assists in 25 appearances with the Windy City Bulls.

In general, the 27-year-old has thrived in the G League while struggling to have any staying power in the NBA. He has played 10 career games in the Association across spells with five different teams.

Most fans are aware of McClung thanks to his exploits in the dunk contest. His three wins are tied for the most all time.

The 6'2" guard ruled out an attempt at a fourth win. He might at least deliver an impressive dunk or two through the Rising Stars event.

McClung will join the team of fellow G-Leaguers led by former NBA guard Austin Rivers. They're up against three other teams comprised of first- and second-year players around the NBA.

The four squads are split into two semifinals games, and the winners will meet in the final on Feb. 13 at Intuit Dome.