Mac McClung is the brand new star dunker on the block, as he grew to become the first-ever participant to three-peat on the NBA Slam Dunk Contest together with his electrifying 2025 efficiency.
That standing has made McClung a dunking legend in his personal proper, and it’s introduced NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant to the highlight as they voiced their interest in competing with McClung subsequent yr.
Morant, an All-NBA choice and two-time All-Star, additionally challenged two Dunk Contest legends, Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine. Whereas the Denver Nuggets ahead had beforehand stated he would by no means return to the competitors, each appear to be open to future All-Star Weekend festivities, which might make for one of many best competitions within the dunk contest’s storied historical past.
Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine Open To Returning to NBA Dunk Contest
Following McClung’s acrobatics that noticed him beat Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis, San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Fortress, and Milwaukee Bucks sophomore Andre Jackson Jr, Morant wrote “mac may make me resolve to dunk” on X.
MAC MCCLUNG ARE YOU KIDDING
@Kia | #KiaK5 pic.twitter.com/NTNdB5l3gB
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2025
The Memphis Grizzlies guard additionally referred to as out Gordon and LaVine for a return subsequent yr, and each appear to be up for the problem.
zach & AG wassup
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) February 16, 2025
LaVine, who controversially received his final and second straight title over Gordon in 2016, took to social media to reply.
“Considering I might need too once more….”
Considering I might need too once more…. https://t.co/LVnVyEGOwP
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) February 16, 2025
Gordon once more misplaced controversially in 2020 to Derrick Jones Jr. after getting “screwed” by judges and stated he would by no means return to the All-Star Weekend. Nonetheless, the 29-year-old appears desperate to problem McClung and is open to a return in 2026.
“I nonetheless acquired some sh*t,” he posted.
I nonetheless acquired some sh*t https://t.co/zsJhb7myex
— Aaron Gordon (@Double0AG) February 18, 2025
Nonetheless, it stays to be seen if McClung will take part in subsequent yr’s occasion. After successful his third consecutive dunk contest, he was requested if he could be again to defend his crown, and he stated he wasn’t certain.
“I by no means wish to say by no means, however this one took rather a lot out of me,” he said
But when he does and the trio of LaVine, Gordon, and Morant additionally return, we might be up for the best NBA Dunk Contest the league has ever seen.
In the meantime, LaVine is having a powerful season, averaging 37.2 minutes per sport in six contests with the Sacramento Kings, the place he was simply traded. He’s averaging 21.5 factors, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists whereas taking pictures 43.1% from the ground. Gordon is getting 26.5 minutes per sport with the Nuggets and averages 12.1 factors, 4.8 rebounds, and three.2 assists whereas taking pictures 50.2% from the ground.
Each could be welcome additions to an All-Star Weekend that has misplaced its efficiency lately.
