Three-time NBA slam dunk contest winner discusses constant rise and fall of event, previews 2024 competition

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Mac McClung put the NBA slam dunk contest back on the map last year with his stunning performance, and perhaps the best performer ever in the event expects McClung to do it again.

Nate Robinson knows exactly what it takes to win the competition, being the only three-time champion ever.

Standing at just 5-foot-9, Robinson put his name among some of the greats, like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, in winning the event, getting some bonus points with his 46-inch vertical leap and his small frame.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks goes up for a dunk in the NBA slam dunk competition during NBA All-Star Weekend at the Toyota Center Feb. 18, 2006, in Houston. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

McClung stands at just 6-foot-2, but it's no secret he's the favorite.

"He's gonna win it again," Robinson told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

McClung is one of four contestants, but only one of those players, Jaylen Brown, is an NBA All-Star. Jacob Toppin and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are the other two competing.

The slam dunk contest used to draw huge names. Jordan and Dominique Wilkins' late '80s matchup remains maybe the most famous of all.

But in recent years, high-profile stars have refused to participate. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade passed on the opportunity despite the former even once committing to it. And even high-flying players like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant have passed.

That led to some "boring" competitions for several years until Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon "stole the show" in 2016, Robinson said. 

Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks leaps over Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic