Mac McClung Explains Absence From 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, 'They Didn't Really Want Me in It'

Mac McClung didn't attempt a four-peat in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest because he sensed his presence wasn't considered a priority.

Answering the question of why he didn't compete in the 2026 event, McClung said on The Dan Patrick Show "they didn't really want me in it this year."

"They wanted me in it and then some things happened," he said. "It kind of just went back and forth and at the end they kinda didn't want me in the contest."

According to McClung, organizers communicated to him that certain players wouldn't commit if he were in the field.

The 27-year-old had prepared as if he would be back for a title defense, hence him showing off on social media the dunks he had in mind:

McClung subsequently partnered with Bleacher Report and attempted to duplicate some of the most memorable jams from dunk contests past.

San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson and Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson made up the four-man field in the 2026 installment. Johnson bested Bryant in the final with a score of 97.4.

By virtue of his past achievements, McClung would've been the biggest name in the competition, and his pursuit of a record-setting fourth title made for an obvious storyline.

For whatever reason, he didn't get the chance.