Gilbert Arenas blasts NBA, players over Mac McClung Dunk Contest absence

The Slam Dunk Contest has lost its shine over the years, and 2026 didn't do much to change that narrative. Like recent seasons, this year's All-Star event was missing the star power that used to make it appointment viewing.

The lineup featured younger talents still working to establish themselves in the league, with names like Jase Richardson, Carter Bryant and Keshad Johnson taking center stage.

Three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas had a different idea about how to generate interest. He argued that bringing back Mac McClung would have injected some much-needed energy into the competition, though that suggestion didn't land well with everyone.

Gilbert Arenas claims NBA Stars forced Mac McClung out

During a recent "Gil's Arena" livestream, Arenas was asked if the NBA "dropped the ball" by leaving McClung out of the contest.

Arenas didn't hold back, calling out players who he claims opposed McClung's return and even threatened to skip the event if he competed for a fourth consecutive title.

"Dropped the ball or purposely not let him get his throne? He can compete in when he wasn't an NBA player, and wasn't on an NBA team. And then when he's on one, they say he can't. But, that's not the NBA, that's the players. They were scared that he was gonna win it again, so they said if he's in it, we're not gonna participate. Which is coward of you guys. Whoever said they wouldn't compete if he was in it."