NBA News: Slam Dunk Champ Now Adds An MVP Award to his Trophy Case

For two years running he's been the NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion even though he doesn't have a job with an NBA team. But Mac McClung has as many fans around basketball as many NBA players. And now he also has an MVP Award for his trophy case, being named the G League's top player for 2024. 

Playing for the Osceola Magic this season, McClung dominated the G League while putting up his usual assortment of sizzling highlight-reel plays and dunks.  

The former Duke Blue Devil averaged 25.7 points, 6.6 assists, 4.7 rebounds and shot 40% from three-point range. He's been a dynamite player in the G League for several years, but this season he took it to a new level. He led the Magic to a 22-12 regular season record, tops in the Eastern Conference.

The 6'2" McClung has only managed to get into a total of four NBA games over the past few years, none in the 2023-24 season. But he's determined to "relentlessly pursue" another shot at the big time, and he thinks this honor shows what he's all about. 

“It means a lot; I really got emotional thinking about it because it shows the relentlessness in my story,” said McClung. “Maybe you look at me as a dunker. Maybe you look at me as a highlight tape. And last year, they said I couldn’t shoot, but then I shot (close to 40 percent) from three. This year, I’m G League MVP. It’s one of the moments in my life that I’m most proud of myself (because it shows) that relentless pursuit.”

It still remains a mystery why no NBA club will give this guy a true shot. Maybe 2024-25 will be the year.