SAN FRANCISCO — Each year, we witness a familiar scenario. An NBA superstar finds themselves in a hotel or sun-soaked paradise during the early days of the All-Star break, watching either an incredible Dunk Contest or one that doesn’t quite meet expectations. Subsequently, these athletes often share their desire to participate in the next year’s event with their millions of social media followers.

This time, it was the dynamic Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant who found himself inspired—much like the rest of us—by Mac McClung’s breathtaking third performance in the Dunk Contest.

“Mac might make me want to dunk,” he tweeted, adding an interesting twist since Morant had previously announced a self-imposed dunking hiatus, which surprisingly lasted only 72 hours.

His tweet drew a significant response from Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who replied, “If you do it, I’ll do it with you,” followed by a “100” emoji.

Given the context, the emoji choice seems fitting, as the chances of this collaboration materializing are slim to none.

The most recognized “I might join the Dunk Contest!” player is none other than LeBron James, who has hinted at participating on several occasions but never committed. Analysts and former players often point to James’ disinterest as a factor in the Dunk Contest’s decline since the days when legends like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter electrified the stage.

Yet, these claims rest on a misconception: that fans crave star power in the Dunk Contest. This is easily debunked by the success of McClung, the only three-time winner in NBA Dunk Contest history.

Now 26, McClung has only participated in five NBA games. His total NBA minutes (71) match the number of points Donovan Mitchell scored in a single game. Before his first Dunk Contest invitation three years ago, he was largely unknown beyond the high school mixtape scene.

The reality, folks, is clear: it’s not the stars that captivate audiences; it’s the dunks. McClung embodies creativity and charisma, driven by a genuine passion for dunking. He dedicated “eight or nine months” to perfecting the jaw-dropping dunks we witnessed that Saturday night—a dedication not burdened by the pressures of being an NBA superstar.

“It’s just something I love doing,” McClung stated after his victory on Saturday. “I think my creativity stems from my genuine love for this contest and my passion for dunking.”

Consider Jaylen Brown. An All-NBA athlete who later captured Finals MVP with a prestigious franchise, he participated in last year’s Dunk Contest. But wait, did you forget? That’s because he was outshined by McClung during the final round.

This stark contrast highlights the power of skill and performance over mere name recognition. Yet, the notion persists that we need stars to breathe life into the Dunk Contest. It’s time to rethink that approach.

Here’s a thought: instead of pursuing players who’re reluctant to join the Dunk Contest and possibly deliver mediocre performances, why not shift our focus? McClung’s success in the G League highlights opportunities for others who can dazzle audiences with spectacular dunks. Just look at the impressive highlights from past G League Dunk Contests. Surely, many of these athletes would outshine Andre Jackson Jr. and Matas Buzelis—names that likely leave casual fans puzzled.

And if we’re genuinely committed to elevating the Dunk Contest, why not explore the realm of professional dunkers? This is a vibrant community where individuals devote their skills entirely to the art of dunking.

McClung revealed that Isaiah Rivera assisted him in preparing for his winning performance, even lending him his car for practice, which led to what will likely be remembered as one of the most unforgettable dunks in the contest’s history. If you’re unaware of Rivera’s talents, here’s a glimpse of his dunking prowess.

You don’t want that kind of action in the Dunk Contest? Or how about this mind-blowing dunk from Jordan Kilganon?

It’s true; you may not recognize these names yet. But remember, not long ago, Mac McClung was unfamiliar to most, and now he’s a household name. We’re all hoping he returns for another year after hinting he might “consider hanging it up after this one.” This highlights the immense effort required to become such an exceptional dunker.

“This year felt like a monumental challenge,” McClung reflected on Saturday. “I don’t want to say never, but I think this one took a lot out of me. I prepared extensively and put in a tremendous amount of work.”

McClung has undeniably demonstrated that fans will flock to exceptional dunkers with charisma and creativity. Given the current expectations for originality and difficulty, it’s clear that the creativity we seek isn’t consistently found among NBA superstars.

The NBA opened its doors slightly for McClung, and he essentially shattered through. If the league is serious about revitalizing the Dunk Contest, it needs to embrace the talents of those outside the traditional NBA framework.