Shaquille O’Neal and Julius Erving haven’t been too thrilled with today’s NBA stars. Last year, they called out the league’s biggest names, accusing them of being “afraid of competition.” Dr. J went even further, saying, “Many people refuse to participate because their egos will not permit it. You don’t always get the best dunkers in the dunk contest.” But one player has proven them wrong—Mac McClung. The undrafted guard-turned-dunk-king has taken on every challenge, and this year, he made history yet again.

At first, it seemed like another lackluster Dunk Contest. Cameras caught Damian Lillard yawning, while Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and even Ayesha Curry looked distracted. The energy just wasn’t there. But then, McClung stepped onto the court, and the mood shifted. The yawns? Gone. The crowd? On its feet. The Orlando Magic high-flyer didn’t just put on a show—he reminded everyone why the dunk contest still matters.

And he didn’t just win—he dominated. Facing off against Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Andre Jackson Jr., McClung soared past the competition to secure his third straight Dunk Contest title. That put him in elite company, making him just the second player ever—alongside Nate Robinson—to win three times.

Naturally, one of his biggest supporters, Shaquille O’Neal, had something to say about it. In a video posted by NBA on ESPN, Shaq sent McClung a heartfelt message.

“Hey, Mac, what’s up, my boy? It’s your boy Shaq. Listen, there aren’t many people that say they’ve made NBA history, but you are now officially one of them, my boy. Congrats on becoming the first-ever three-peat slam dunk champion.”

And Shaq didn’t stop there. “I know you can do it. Like I told you before, make them remember your name. They remember your name now. I’m happy I was there at courtside to witness each victory,” he said, before adding, “Keep fighting, brother, for your next big break. We’re all rooting for you, brother.”

With legends like Shaq backing him and his name now etched in history, McClung’s journey is far from over.

Shaquille O’Neal always got Mac McClung’s back

Mac McClung wasn’t a household name before the 2023 NBA Dunk Contest, but that changed in an instant. His high-flying, jaw-dropping performance had the whole league talking. But what many don’t know is that Shaquille O’Neal played a small but crucial role before the contest even began. Just moments before McClung took the court, Shaq pulled him aside and gave him a message that would define his night.

“Nobody knows your name. Make ‘em remember your name. And don’t miss a dunk,” Shaq told him. Without hesitation, McClung responded, “I got you.” And he sure did.

That wasn’t a one-time thing, though. In 2024, when McClung defended his title, Shaq was right there, supporting him once again.

“The reason why Mac McClung won last year is because he wants to be a competitor. He’s not in the NBA… yet, and he wasn’t afraid of the competition,” Shaq said on his Big Podcast. Interestingly, that same year, he brought Shaq into the act—literally.

With the four-time champ standing under the basket in a personalized Gate City High School jersey, McClung soared over him for a perfect 50.

Now, as a three-peat champion, the only question left is: can he make it four? Shaq will love to see that!!