Draymond Green’s Slam Dunk Contest diss is a jab at Mac McClung

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green appears to be targeting the three-time slam dunk champion Mac McClung while discussing his lack of enthusiasm for the event during the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show. Green was asked to name his dream slam dunk contest lineup for All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles in 2026, but instead offered scathing criticism of the direction the contest has taken and the type of participants it has featured in recent years.

Green expressed frustration with the current course of eventswith a note that the first stars of the league refused invitations more often and that players who are not on active NBA rosters participated in the competition.

Green said:

“My dream dunk lineup this year … I don’t have it. The All-Star just wasn’t great. The guys that should have been there weren’t great. I think like the great guys that (were) supposed to be in it just didn’t do it. So I think it kind of died with that like you’re in that’ NBA. I worked hard to be an All-Star and you can be in slam dunk contests without an NBA contract.

Draymond Green on slam dunk contest: “I worked this hard to be an All-Star and you can be in slam dunk contests without an NBA contract. We might as well get those guys who do those crazy slam dunks.” pic.tvitter.com/GvcgzVhTzR

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) December 9, 2025

The comments quickly drew attention because McClung, despite winning the slam dunk contest three years in a rowhe spent most of his professional career on the fringes of the NBA. His participation in the event as a G League player has sparked debate over whether non-full-time NBA players should continue to receive invitations, especially as the league tries to revive fan interest in All-Star Saturday night.

Draymond Green’s criticism centers on three-time slam dunk champion Mac McClung

McClung, 26, played nine NBA games over five seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers. He entered the 2024-25 season first standard NBA contract after signing a two-year contract with the Pacers. However, the the team waived him in early November after three appearancesopting instead to bring in veteran running back Monte Morris.

McClung returned to the G League for the fifth straight season, where he remained one of the league’s most productive running backs. In seven games with the Windy City Bulls, he averaged 21.1 points, six assists, 3.4 rebounds and one steal while shooting 49.1% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc in 32.9 minutes per contest.

Despite his minimal NBA resume, McClung’s dunk performances have earned him widespread acclaim, helping to keep the event in the spotlight during a period of declining marquee participation by stars. His back-to-back wins have cemented him as one of the competition’s most recognizable figures, even as there are questions about the direction of All-Star weekend.

As for Green and the Warriors, the team continues to move up the Western Conference standings. Golden State enters Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 13–12 recordpreparing for their first meeting with Minnesota since last season’s second-round playoff series, which the Timberwolves swept in five games.