“I’m sorry you caught a stray,” Kevin Durant debunks speculations that he despises Dunk Contest winner Mac McClung
Kevin Durant clarifies his statement about Mac McClung's Slam Dunk Contest victory and the future of the competition.
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Mac McClung, Kevin Durant Credits: Kyle Terada, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Durant recently clarified his statement regarding Mac McClung’s victory in the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. The contest was held during the All-Star weekend and saw McClung, a G League player, take home the crown. Although his phenomenal, high-flying performance was lauded by many, Durant’s initial comments about the competition raised a few eyebrows.
In a viral take, Durant questioned why the NBA had to bring in a G League player like McClung to revive the dunk contest. However, the human sniper later clarified that his comments were not directed at McClung personally but rather at the NBA’s failure to get star players to participate in the event.
“Why do people think I was hating on Mac McClung?” Durant wondered. “When I was more so pointing out the NBA had to go get Mac McClung to revive [the dunk contest.] It was more so a shot at the NBA more so than you. I’m sorry you caught a stray.”
Durant also praised the young gun for being an outstanding athlete and acknowledged that he would surely put on a show during the contest. McClung’s performance indeed lived up to expectations, with several players, including LeBron James, offering him raving reviews.
Related: Who is Mac McClung, winner of NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2023?
Future of the Slam Dunk Contest
As fans of the dunk contest anticipate its future, the question arises whether stars like Zion Williamson or Ja Morant will step up to challenge McClung next year. While Williamson has a lot of tricks up his sleeve, injuries could prevent him from considering participating in the competition.
If Williamson is unable to participate, fans might be interested in seeing Shaedon Sharpe of the Portland Trail Blazers put on a show in the contest. However, if the NBA fails to find any worthy contenders from the league next year, it could repeat its ploy of looking for G League players or even take Candace Parker’s suggestion of opening up the contest to anybody.
Overall, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has been an iconic event that has seen some of the greatest players in basketball history showcase their skills. However, in recent years, the competition has failed to attract top-tier talent, resulting in lackluster performances. McClung’s victory in 2023 was a breath of fresh air for the event, and his impressive showing has revitalized public interest in the contest.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)