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If you’ve spent any time on sports Twitter or TikTok over the last few years, you’ve definitely seen the clips. A 6'2" guard with a shock of blonde hair takes off from the dotted line, rotates 540 degrees in the air, and flushes it with the kind of violence that makes you worry for the rim’s structural integrity. That’s Mac McClung. But because he’s been a viral sensation since he was a teenager in Gate City, Virginia, there’s a weird collective confusion about where he is in his life right now. Honestly, it feels like he’s been "the next big thing" forever, which leads everyone to the same question: how old is Mac McClung and is he still a prospect or a seasoned vet?
The Numbers on the Birth Certificate
Let’s get the hard facts out of the way first. Matthew "Mac" McClung was born on January 6, 1999. Since it is currently January 2026, Mac McClung is 27 years old. He just celebrated that birthday a couple of weeks ago. It’s a bit of a "bridge" age in the NBA world. You aren't exactly the "young kid" anymore, but you're also smack in the middle of your athletic prime. For a guy whose entire game is built on explosive verticality, 27 is a fascinating year. Most players reach their physical peak right around now before the slow, inevitable decline of their fast-twitch muscles begins in their early 30s.
Why He Feels Older Than He Actually Is
The reason you might think he's 30 is simple: the "BallisLife" effect.
McClung was a superstar before he could legally drive. Back in 2017 and 2018, his high school highlights were getting millions of views alongside guys like Zion Williamson. When you’ve been watching a guy’s career since he was 16, your brain naturally assumes he’s been around for a decade and a half. He broke J.J. Redick’s Virginia high school scoring record (2,801 career points!) nearly eight years ago. That’s a long time to stay in the public consciousness without being a permanent fixture on an NBA starting roster.
He’s had a nomadic professional journey that makes his resume look like a world traveler's passport.
- Georgetown (two years)
- Texas Tech (one year)
- South Bay Lakers
- Chicago Bulls
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Osceola Magic
- Orlando Magic
- Indiana Pacers
- Windy City Bulls
Basically, he's seen more jerseys than a Foot Locker employee.
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Living in the G League vs. The Big Stage
There’s a misconception that if you aren't playing 30 minutes a night on TNT, you must be "washed" or "too old." That’s definitely not the case here. As of the 2025-26 season, Mac is still putting in work with the Windy City Bulls, the G League affiliate for Chicago.
His 2024 season was actually one for the books. He didn't just play; he dominated. He was the NBA G League MVP and the scoring leader. Most people only tune in for the Slam Dunk Contest—which he has now won three times (2023, 2024, and 2025)—but those of us watching the actual games see a guy who has significantly improved his playmaking and defensive rotations. He’s much more than just a dunker now.
The "Dunker" Stigma at 27
It’s kinda funny, actually. Mac is one of only two players to win three Dunk Contests (joining the legendary Nate Robinson), and the only one to do it three times in a row. But in the NBA, being "The Dunker" can sometimes be a curse. Scouts start to wonder if you can do anything else.
At 27, Mac is fighting the "specialist" label. His 3-point shooting has hovered around the 35-38% mark in the G League, which is respectable, but at 6'2", NBA teams want you to be a knockdown shooter or a defensive pest. He’s actually a very solid passer—he averaged over 6 assists a game during some of his G League stretches—but the highlight reels usually cut those parts out.
What’s Next for Mac?
If you’re wondering if he’s given up on a permanent NBA roster spot, the answer is a hard no. 27 is the age where many "fringe" players finally find their footing. Think about guys like Gary Payton II or even Alex Caruso; they didn't become household names until their mid-to-late 20s.
The physical tools are still there. He’s still listed at 185 pounds with a vertical that defies physics. The challenge for Mac isn't his age; it's finding a coach who is willing to give a high-usage G League star a low-usage "spark plug" role off the bench.
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What you can do next:
If you want to see if Mac can still fly, check the G League schedule for the Windy City Bulls or keep an eye on the NBA's 10-day contract tracker as we head toward the playoffs. Most teams look for scoring punch in late February, and a 27-year-old vet with nothing to lose is usually a pretty good bet. You can also follow his specific game splits on sites like Basketball-Reference to see if his shooting percentages are trending up—that's his real ticket back to the big show.