Years pass and look alike Mac McClung. In 2023, he won the Slam Dunk contest a few days after signing a “Twoway Contract” with the Sixers. In 2024, he again won the Dunks competition, before winning the G-League MVP title under the colors of Osceola Magic.
This season, Mac McClung has signed a “Twoway Contract” with the Magic but has not yet played minutes in the NBA. He therefore returns to the All-Star Game, still being on the verge of his dream of a guaranteed contract in the NBA. However, he will try to write the story of the big league by becoming the first player in history to win the Slam Dunk contest three times in a row.
For DNA of Sports, Mac McClung returned to his G League course, his motivation, and his way of preparing the Dunks competition.
Mac, this is the third time that we have seen you at the All-Star Weekend, given your age and your situation, how do you approach this weekend?
I'm exactly where I have to be. It's really something I think. Like the last two years, this weekend is important to me. I have always played well in Rising Stars and I had the chance to win the last two Dunks competitions. It is always an honor to be here. I am here to play hard but I am also grateful to be part of this experience.
Many people see you above all as a dunkeeur, but can you explain the type of player you are and the mentality you have?
I think I am a versatile player, it is my main asset. I think I'm a winner. If you need an altruistic leader, I can play this role. If you need a scorer, I can do it too. If you need an efficient 3-point shooter, I can get 40% from afar. So I can do a little of everything, and I always play with a lot of energy.
Accessories in preparation
How do you keep your motivation after many years in G-League?
I think many people do not necessarily understand the kind of pressure that exists in G-League. It is not easy to win in G-League, it is not easy to be constantly dominating in this league. There is a lot of talent. I think I have my place in the NBA but there are dozens and dozens of other G-League players who could have their place in the NBA. And so, it is this level of competition that allows me to continue again and again.
You will participate in your third Dunks competition after winning the last two editions, is your preparation different because it is the third time?
I have been preparing for the competition for a long time. It's surely the most difficult, but I can't wait to be there. I cannot reveal everything but I will use more accessories than in previous years or even in all the Dunks competitions in which I participated in my career.
You put the bar high during the last two competitions, where do you find your inspiration to be even more creative for this year?
It's not easy, but the main ingredient is simply the love and passion that I have for this ordeal I love to create things, and this year, the creation process was much longer than the Previous years because we want to continue to push the limits so I hope you like it.
Impostor syndrome
If you win tonight, you will get ahead of NBA legends that have won the competition twice like Michael Jordan for example. Is this something you think of or try to ignore?
Just hearing it, I find it hard to achieve. I feel a bit like an impostor! I hadn't really thought about it so far but if it happens, I would be shocked. It would be wonderful but it is also something that goes beyond my wildest dreams.
You participated in a training camp with the Warriors a few years ago. What does it do for you to be back in San Francisco?
It's a great franchise. I loved being here. I love the city, I love people, I'm super happy to be back. Unfortunately, I did not stay long but it was an experience that marked me. Being able to rub shoulders with Stephen Curry is obviously something special and I also really appreciated Steve Kerr's approach. He knows how to find the balance between the different personalities of their team. Having witnessed his way of leading the team every day was really impressive. I have a great memory of my passage here.
Interview in San Francisco.
