Wilkins bluntly addressed McClung’s 2024 Dunk Contest victory.
In February 2025, Mac McClung made history as the first player to win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest three times in a row. His mix of athleticism and creativity earned him the title of “back-to-back-to-back champion,” securing his spot as one of the most unforgettable dunkers in the contest’s history.
While the 26-year-old’s achievement was celebrated by many, NBA legend Dominique Wilkins likely wasn’t among them sharing excitement. This seems especially true given the statements “The Human Highlight Film” made back in July 2024.
The Slam Dunk Contest has lost its spark
Back then, Wilkins was in Valencia, Spain, serving as an ambassador for the Jr. NBA European Finals — an event that took place just months after McClung won his second Slam Dunk Contest title.
As someone who won the same title twice in his storied 15-year NBA career, Wilkins was the perfect person to discuss the performances of McClung and the other participants, including Jaylen Brown, Jaime Jaquez, and Jacob Toppin.
When Nique, known for his jaw-dropping athleticism, competed in the contest, it was a must-see event that everyone eagerly anticipated. Since then, the excitement has steadily decreased — something many have pointed out. During the interview, the Atlanta Hawks icon followed suit.
“It’s definitely not the same,” he said. “The best players have now decided not to participate. That’s what takes us a little away from the current dunk contest.
However, Wilkins didn’t stop there; he also made some direct comments about McClung winning the title yet again.
Nique wants NBA dunkers to reclaim the contest
To fully grasp Dominique’s criticism, let’s first recap Mac’s pro basketball career since leaving Texas Tech in 2021.
After going undrafted in the following NBA Draft, the Virginia native split his time between the NBA and the G League, though he mostly played in the latter. It was in this context that Wilkins didn’t hold back with his comments following the back-to-back dunk contest win by the current Osceola Magic guard.
“If I were a league player, I would be embarrassed,” said the Hall of Famer. “We’re talking about a G-League player who doesn’t even belong to the NBA, passing you by in the dunk contest.”
For “The Human Highlight Film,” this was proof enough that something is being done wrong. As he put it, he wanted the NBA’s best dunkers — not G Leaguers or anyone else — to reclaim the competition, just like in his era. Back then, Wilkins said he, Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, and Larry Nance went head-to-head, thrilling the crowd in the process.
While finally increasing the competition is a valid point and would certainly bring back the excitement of past contests, the comment still felt a bit harsh toward McClung — the reigning G League MVP and scoring leader. After all, it’s not his fault that the league’s most explosive dunkers usually skip the event — the same one he’s dominated so convincingly for three straight years.
Truth is, Mac has been the only bright spot in an otherwise lackluster Slam Dunk Contest lately, and that deserves praise, not criticism. Plus, who’s to say he couldn’t hold his own against NBA high-flyers like Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, or Zach LaVine? One thing’s for sure: watching that showdown would be a real thrill.
