“They’re afraid of competition. It’s a shame that our biggest stars are afraid of competition.” On his Big Podcast, Shaquille O’Neal stated his displeasure over certain NBA stars not participating. Previously, stars like Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Kobe Bryant participated during the All-Star weekend’s dunk competition. One of the biggest superstars of today’s time, LeBron James is yet to feature in the contest. That’s why a G-league player has won the competition twice and is also the reigning champion. And to solve Shaq’s complaints, we have his arch nemesis suggesting a solution.

Recently, Dwight Howard, on his social media alongside YouTuber Jesse Riedel, announced a dunk contest. With 11 contestants participating, the former DWTS contestant commented, “Greatest Dunk Contest You Ever Will See Trust Me 🤷🏾‍♂️.”

Later, he uploaded one of the cleanest and hardest dunks probably seen. And it wouldn’t have been possible without a prop, which the former NBA Champion suggested to be part of the contests going forward.

“@b_ruff was willing to risk it all to win this Dunk Contest 🤣🤷🏾‍♂️ maybe someone need to pullout the trampoline in the NBA dunk contest 👀🏀🔥 #nba #basketball #dunk.” Brandon “HighRize” Ruffin, an International Pro Dunker and 2022 NBA Japan Dunk fan event winner showcased a magical dunk.

He front-flipped after jumping on the trampoline and executed his dunk. For the fans, it surely brings an interesting factor to watch the contest. Previously, Shaquille O’Neal hailed one player for keeping the sanctity alive for the contest.

“He saved the dunk contest.” That’s what the Lakers legend O’Neal thought of 2x Slam Dunk Champion and the current champion back in 2023, Mac McClung. The Osceola Magic G-League star became only the fifth player in the history of the contest to win it back-to-back. He achieved the first victory by jumping over people, doing a perfect 360 and 540 aerial moves to secure three perfect 50 scores. And hedid not need anyone’s take on how to win a second.

McClung never needed Dwight Howard’s suggestion to win back-to-back

In the history of the competition, only Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson, Nate Robinson, and Zach LaVine are the other four people to win the title in the consecutive year. McClung also won the G-League MVP award, scoring 25.7 points per game, which was also the league’s best. Interestingly, he beat Jaylen Brown’s score thanks to help from Shaquille O’Neal.

With an average score of 49.1 to win, McClung reverse dunked while leaping over the Big Aristotle. What made the victory even sweeter was that the Lakers legend also wore McClung’s Gate City High School jersey.

Thus, he won with a perfect score of 50, and former Slam Dunk champion and NBA icon Dominique Wilkins was one of the five judges at this year’s event. And once again, McClung owned the savior moniker given by Shaquille O’Neal.

Interestingly, when Adam Lefkoe asked McClung, “Can I get you to commit to doing the dunk contest again next year?” after his big win, McClung was quite willing. He responded, “I got you. If you guys will have me, I’ll be back.”

Maybe Dwight Howard’s idea is a little over the top. Players’ participation in the dunk contest is in question because some reports state that the players want to avoid injury. So that addition might push away more star players from the league. But the question remains will McClung win again and complete a three-peat?