Mac McClung Released by Indiana Pacers
In a surprising turn of events, Mac McClung has been released by the Indiana Pacers less than two weeks after securing his first full-fledged NBA contract with the team. Shams Charania from ESPN reported on Thursday that the Pacers decided to waive McClung, who had initially signed a multi-year deal amid a string of injuries plaguing the franchise, including star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is sidelined for the season due to an Achilles injury.
Brief Tenure with the Pacers
McClung’s time with the Pacers was brief, encompassing three games in which the team faced defeat each time. During that span, he averaged 6.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals while coming off the bench. Notably, his playing time fluctuated significantly; he logged 12:36 minutes in his first game and 19:00 in the second, but saw a dramatic reduction to just 2:17 in his final outing against the Milwaukee Bucks, a game the Pacers lost in a heart-wrenching finish.
Challenges in the NBA
Despite gaining recognition in the league as a three-time winner of the NBA dunk contest, McClung has faced challenges securing a stable position in the league. Since entering the NBA undrafted in 2021, he has spent the majority of his career in the G League and has only played a total of nine NBA games.
Emotional Reflection
Reflecting on his initial achievement with Indiana, McClung shared with The Athletic his emotional response to signing the contract: “I got in my car, and I couldn’t help but get emotional. I was just like, man, it’s been five years trying to chase a contract. So it’s a really beautiful moment where I just thought about all the people who have been along with me for it.”
Looking Ahead
As McClung now finds himself in search of a new team once again, the 2023 dunk contest champion must confront a new phase in his career.
