The Dual Challenge for 2026: Participation and Legacy
As the NBA All-Star Weekend approaches, the league’s Slam Dunk Contest faces a recurring challenge: convincing the game’s most electric stars to participate.
This year, the dynamic is further complicated by history waiting in the wings. If Mac McClung competes and triumphs again, he will achieve what was once thought impossible
The contest’s current status is one of uncertainty and unofficial interest. No official participants have been announced, but early signals have emerged.
Top rookie VJ Edgecombe has firmly declined, stating, “I ain’t doing that. Nah, I’m good.” In contrast, Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff has expressed enthusias.
A Legacy on the Line: McClung’s Historic Pursuit
Mac McClung’s impact on the dunk contest is undeniable. The 26-year-old guard, currently with the NBA G League’s Windy City Bulls, has become a specialist in the event.
- The Three-Peat: McClung is the contest’s reigning three-time champion, having won in 2023, 2024, and 2025. This makes him the first and only player to win three consecutive dunk contests.
- Tying a Record: With his third win, McClung joined Nate Robinson as the only players to win the event three times. A fourth victory would break that tie and establish him as the undisputed greatest dunk contest performer in history.
- Elite Performance: His 2025 victory was particularly dominant, featuring four consecutive perfect scores of 50 from the judges. He has revitalized fan interest in the contest through his creativity and consistent, high-level execution.
Despite his G League status, McClung has made the contest his showcase, demonstrating that its most memorable champion doesn’t need to be an NBA superstar.
A Brief History of Soaring and the Challenge of Participation
The Slam Dunk Contest has a storied, if occasionally sporadic, history that dates back to the ABA in 1976. Dr. J, Julius Erving, won that first contest with a legendary dunk from the free-throw line.
The modern NBA contest began in 1984 and has created iconic moments from Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins in the 1980s to Vince Carter’s legendary display in 2000.
The event’s appeal has historically ebbed and flowed, heavily influenced by whether top-tier stars choose to participate. Periods without major stars have often led to calls to refresh or reinvigorate the event.
Awaiting the Official Field and a Historic Possibility
The NBA has yet to announce the official participants for the upcoming contest. The conflicting signals from Edgecombe and Huff highlight the annual difficulty in fielding a compelling lineup.
The ultimate intrigue, however, hangs on one question: Will Mac McClung return to defend his crown?
Whether through historic continuity or a new champion’s rise, the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest will be shaped by who decides to step onto the stage and soar.