Pelicans Veteran Disapproves NBA’s Move to Allow G-League Starlet Mac McClung to Participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, guard Mac McClung of the Delaware Blue Coats became the first-ever G League participant in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The invitation for Mac McClung to compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest over All-Star Weekend has been accepted. Last July, Mac McClung was one of the Summer League’s more entertaining players, which helped him get a lot of admirers, if not an NBA contract.
Given that McClung has been touted as one of the most athletic young players in the country, his place is tremendously well-deserved. McClung received plenty of media attention for his incredible dunking skills throughout his high school career. Shaedon Sharpe of the Portland Trail Blazers and KJ Martin of the Houston Rockets are also participating in the Dunk Contest with McClung.
Mac McClung becomes first G-League player to participate in Slam Dunk, but disapproved by Pelicans star
Larry Nance Jr., a center with the New Orleans Pelicans, expressed his disappointment that McClung was chosen over teammate Trey Murphy on Twitter on Friday. McClung is six inches shorter than Murphy at 6-foot-2 but has long been recognized for his prowess in the air.
https://twitter.com/Larrydn22/status/1614006037115183109?s=20&t=ncLQ3IgNZprBdzUgX3nhHw
Mac McClung signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on August 10, 2021, after competing in the NBA Summer League without being selected in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was, nonetheless, released on October 13. For the 2022–23 season, he joined the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League.
Mac McClung – the athletic 6-foot-2 guard playing for G League’s Delaware Blue Coats – has accepted an invitation to be in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
McClung will be the first ever G League player in the NBA dunk contest.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2023
Mac McClung might play his way back into the NBA if he keeps up his excellent scoring totals. The 2023 NBA All-Star weekend will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, from February 17–19. 4,226 feet above sea level, it will be interesting to watch how things turn out.
Mac McClung has accepted an invite to be in the NBA SLAM DUNK CONTEST 🔥
(per @ShamsCharania)
— Overtime (@overtime) January 13, 2023
The Dunk Contest needs fresh vigor. Mac McClung himself might not be the solution, but going outside the box and giving a G-League player a chance is a positive step.
READ MORE:
VIDEO: Crazy Scenes as NIU Basketball Player Makes a Layup With a Shoe In His Hand