Did you know that the Slam Dunk champ Mac McClung was once a Chicago Bull?

The Chicago Bulls could sure use a player of Mac McClung's ilk this season.
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Philadelphia 76ers two-way player Mac McClung was, without a shadow of a doubt, the star of All-Star Saturday night when he electrified fans and NBA players alike with one spectacular slam dunk after another en route to winning the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. However, did you know that the high-leaping 6-foot-2 guard was once a Bull?

Trying to make it

The 24-year-old has had an interesting journey so far. After playing college at Georgetown and Texas Tech, McClung has been trying to latch on to an NBA squad. He has signed on with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, and the Chicago Bulls, but has played in only two NBA games—one of those was for the Bulls during the 2021-2022 season.

The game was against the Atlanta Hawks on December 29, 2021. The Bulls on by a comfortable margin, 131-117, and McClung logged in 2 minutes and 33 seconds, registering two points and a turnover. Later that season, he signed on to play for the Lakers and in a game against the Denver Nuggets, he logged in 21 minutes and 50 seconds of playing time, finishing with six points, three rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a blocked shot in a 146-141 win.

Star of stars

On February 14, 2023, McClung signed a two-way contract with the 76ers and days later, he made the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest his own playground. He showcased his insane athleticism and creativity to win the title, and may have set himself up for a long-term NBA career. McClung's performance was so otherworldly that broadcaster and former Slam Dunk Contest participant Kenny Smith called him the "star of stars" of that evening.

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McClung has really come a long way since his days as a Bull, and there's no telling just how far he can go in the NBA. Whether it's electrifying crowds with his dunking abilities or contributing to the 76ers campaign this season, Mac McClung is sure to be an exciting player to watch for years to come.


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Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.