Mac McClung: 3-Time Dunk Champion, But Not in NBA
There’s a certain kind of athlete who dominates one stage and barely gets a chance on the bigger one. Mac McClung is that athlete—a three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion with a 48-inch vertical leap and two G League MVP awards, yet he has played just 11 regular-season NBA games.
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) · Vertical leap: 48 in (122 cm) · Age: 27 · Position: Point guard · NBA appearances: 4 games (regular season) · Slam Dunk titles: 3 (2023, 2024, 2025)
Quick snapshot
- McClung went undrafted in 2021 after playing at Georgetown and Texas Tech (Yahoo Sports).
- He has won three consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contests (2023–2025) (Yahoo Sports).
- His reported vertical leap is 48 inches from an unlimited approach (PJF Performance).
- Exact amount of his Puma endorsement (reportedly a six-figure annual deal) (Front Office Sports).
- Whether he will ever secure a fully guaranteed NBA contract. (Front Office Sports)
- His official wingspan measurement (estimated 6’4″ but not verified by the NBA Combine). (Front Office Sports)
- His net worth (estimated between $1–2 million but not publicly confirmed). (Front Office Sports)
- Feb 2023: First Slam Dunk Contest win while on a two-way with the 76ers (Yahoo Sports).
- 2024–25: Third straight dunk title and two-way contract with Chicago Bulls (Yahoo Sports).
- March 2026: Became G League’s all-time leading scorer (Wikipedia).
- Currently on a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls through the 2024–25 season (Yahoo Sports).
- McClung has publicly stated his goal of earning a full NBA roster spot. (Yahoo Sports)
- Previous interest from the 76ers, Lakers, and Magic suggests opportunities may arise. (Yahoo Sports)
Here is a quick overview of McClung’s physical and career stats.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Mac McClung |
| Birth date | Jan 6, 1999 |
| Height / weight | 6 ft 2 in, 185 lb |
| Position | Point guard |
| NBA debut | 2022–23 season |
| Slam Dunk titles | 3 (2023, 2024, 2025) |
| Current team | Chicago Bulls (two-way) |
Why is Mac McClung not in the NBA?
Size and defensive limitations
At 6’2″ and 185 pounds, McClung lacks the prototypical size for an NBA guard. Scouts often point to his frame as a liability on defense, where he can be targeted by bigger wings (Yahoo Sports).
His elite vertical leap allows highlight finishes, but NBA teams prioritize defensive versatility. McClung’s height and wingspan (approximately 6’4″) place him at a disadvantage against quicker, longer point guards.
Inconsistent three-point shooting
While McClung has been a scoring machine in the G League—averaging 31.8 points per game in his MVP season (Yahoo Sports)—his three-point percentage has fluctuated, and NBA teams question whether his shooting will translate against elite defenders.
Undrafted status and two-way contracts
McClung went undrafted in 2021 after four college seasons at Georgetown and Texas Tech (Yahoo Sports). Since then he has signed only 10-day and two-way deals, never a guaranteed contract. The stigma of being undrafted means he has to outperform drafted players just to get a rotation look.
What this means: McClung’s path to an NBA roster requires either a team willing to develop a one-dimensional scorer or a dramatic improvement in his playmaking and defense.
How much money is Mac McClung making?
G-League base salary
Most direct G League players earn $40,500 for a five-month season (Front Office Sports). McClung, as a two-way player, receives a prorated portion of the NBA minimum—roughly half, which amounts to around $500,000 annually.
Two-way contract earnings
According to FanSided, McClung’s career NBA earnings through 2024 totaled just $132,101 per Spotrac. That figure balloons when including his G League salary and prize money from the Slam Dunk Contest, where each win pays $100,000 (FanSided). His three dunk titles produced $310,000 in prize money.
Puma endorsement details
McClung signed a shoe deal with Puma before the 2023 Dunk Contest. The exact figure is undisclosed, but Front Office Sports reports it is a six-figure annual arrangement. Combined with his basketball earnings, his net worth is estimated between $1–2 million.
The implication: Despite his dunk contest fame, McClung’s earnings reflect the financial reality of two-way contracts.
Why can Mac McClung jump so high?
Training and genetics
McClung works with vert coach Chris Barnard and uses plyometric drills, weightlifting, and sprint work to maximize explosiveness (PJF Performance). Genetic factors—fast-twitch muscle fibers and a favorable tendon structure—also play a role.
Measured vertical leap
At the 2021 NBA Combine, McClung registered a 43.5-inch max vertical leap, which ranked seventh in combine history (DraftExpress / X). From an unlimited approach, trainers at PJF Performance estimate his vertical reaches 47–48 inches.
Comparison to other elite jumpers
Only a handful of NBA players have recorded verticals near 48 inches—Zion Williamson, Derrick Jones Jr., and Kenny Gregory among them. McClung’s approach jump is about 10 inches higher than his standing vertical (PJF Performance), a ratio that matches the best dunk contest athletes.
The implication: McClung’s explosiveness is elite even by NBA standards, but raw jumping ability alone hasn’t been enough to overcome his size and shooting inconsistencies.
Is Mac McClung going back to the NBA?
Current contract status
As of the 2024–25 season, McClung is on a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls (Yahoo Sports). He has played in 11 total NBA games since going undrafted.
2025 offseason interest
Teams such as the 76ers, Lakers, and Magic have shown interest in McClung for training camp or two-way deals. His back-to-back G League MVP awards (2023–24 and 2025–26) keep him on the radar (Yahoo Sports).
Likelihood of a roster spot
McClung has said he wants to earn a full NBA roster spot. However, the G League’s all-time leading scorer still faces the same scouting concerns: size, defense, and playmaking. The pattern so far is that teams use him as an injury replacement, not a long-term investment.
If McClung shoots above 38% from three on NBA volume during the 2025–26 preseason, a team might convert his two-way to a guaranteed contract. Otherwise, he will continue as the most decorated G League player in history.
The pattern: Teams continue to see McClung as a specialist rather than a rotation player.
What is Mac McClung’s height and physical profile?
Height and weight measurements
McClung is listed at 6’2″ (1.88 m) and 185 lbs (84 kg) (Wikipedia). These measurements are standard for a point guard, but below the average for shooting guards where he often plays in the G League.
His wingspan is approximately 6’4″, which is only two inches above his height—below average for an NBA guard.
McClung compensates with quickness and a reported 48-inch vertical (PJF Performance). Despite average height, McClung’s explosiveness allows him to finish above the rim. His 31.8 points per game in the G League (Yahoo Sports) show he can score against professional defenders. The gap between G League and NBA defense is where his size becomes a disadvantage. Pots trobar més informació sobre Mac McClung, incloent-hi el seu títol de campió d’esmaixades, a $Mac McClung campione di schiacciate.
The catch: McClung is a tweener in the worst sense—too small to play shooting guard, not a pure enough point guard to run an NBA offense. His athleticism is elite, but the NBA values positional fit over highlight dunks.
Timeline
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Went undrafted after college at Texas Tech (Yahoo Sports) |
| 2021–2022 | Played for Fort Wayne Mad Ants (G League) |
| Feb 2023 | Signed two-way with 76ers; won first Slam Dunk Contest (Yahoo Sports) |
| 2023–2024 | Two-way contracts with Lakers and Magic; won second Slam Dunk Contest (Yahoo Sports) |
| 2024–2025 | Two-way with Chicago Bulls; won third Slam Dunk Contest; became G League’s all-time leading scorer (Wikipedia) |
This timeline shows McClung’s consistent production in the G League but limited NBA opportunities.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Mac McClung is a three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion (Yahoo Sports).
- He has never signed a fully guaranteed NBA contract (Front Office Sports).
- His vertical leap is measured at approximately 48 inches from an unlimited approach (PJF Performance).
- He is the G League’s all-time leading scorer (Yahoo Sports).
- He has won multiple G League MVP awards (2023–24, 2025–26) (Yahoo Sports).
What’s unclear
- Exact amount of his Puma endorsement (reportedly six-figure annual) (Front Office Sports).
- Whether he will ever secure a full NBA roster spot.
- His exact wingspan measurement (estimated 6’4″ but not officially verified by the NBA Combine).
- Whether his shooting percentages will translate to NBA minutes.
- His net worth (estimated between $1–2 million but not publicly confirmed).
These facts highlight the gap between his achievements and NBA acceptance.
Key quotes
McClung’s career NBA earnings totaled $132,101 according to Spotrac.
FanSided
The NBA awards $100,000 to each Slam Dunk Contest winner.
FanSided
McClung has been the G League’s all-time leading scorer and a two-time MVP, but the jump to an NBA rotation remains elusive.
Yahoo Sports
These quotes illustrate the financial and competitive reality of McClung’s career.
For McClung, the next season will determine whether his G League dominance can finally translate into a stable NBA role. For the Chicago Bulls, the decision is clear: either convert his two-way deal into a guaranteed contract and develop his playmaking, or let him remain the best player in the G League who never made it.
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Frequently asked questions
What college did Mac McClung attend?
He played for Georgetown and Texas Tech (Wikipedia).
How many NBA games has Mac McClung played?
He has played in 11 NBA games (4 regular season) since going undrafted in 2021 (Yahoo Sports).
What is Mac McClung’s wingspan?
Estimated at 6’4″, but not officially verified by the NBA Combine (Wikipedia).
Does Mac McClung have an agent?
Yes, he is represented by an agent, though the specific agency is not publicly listed in standard sports databases.
What shoe brand does Mac McClung wear?
He has a shoe endorsement deal with Puma (Front Office Sports).
Has Mac McClung ever been drafted?
No, he went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft (Yahoo Sports).
What is Mac McClung’s net worth?
Estimated between $1–2 million, including G League salary, two-way earnings, and his Puma endorsement.
How does McClung train for the dunk contest?
He works with vert coach Chris Barnard and uses plyometrics, weightlifting, and approach jump drills (PJF Performance).
These answers cover the most common questions about McClung’s career.
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