The Indiana Pacers have announced they are signing Mac McClung to a multi-year contract after waiving big man James Wiseman. McClung has had quite a notable path to the NBA, spending most of his professional basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and, most recently, the Orlando Magic’s G League affiliate.
McClung spent last season with the Osceola Magic, Orlando’s G League affiliate, averaging 25.7 points and 5.7 assists on 51.0% field goal and 37.8% three-point shooting.
Aside from multiple call-ups to main rosters, McClung gained traction through the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, a competition he’s won in back-to-back years. Despite receiving high praise from legends of the past and stars of the present, McClung’s real aspirations lie in being part of one of the league’s thirty teams on a nightly basis.
The Pacers now give McClung the opportunity he’s been waiting for, as the team’s recent slew of injuries at guard leaves plenty of holes to fill. Currently without Tyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, and Bennedict Mathurin—all sidelined with various injuries—McClung will finally look to make an impact throughout the season.
Indiana’s decision to waive James Wiseman comes as somewhat of a surprise, as the former lottery pick appeared in four preseason games for the Pacers and was listed as the starting center against the Memphis Grizzlies. In his lone game, Wiseman recorded four points, four rebounds, and one block across 20 minutes of action. Despite being fully healthy, he’ll now have to search for opportunities elsewhere.
The Pacers will play their next game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, October 29th. While the team hasn’t indicated whether McClung will start or come off the bench, this marks the beginning of an important chapter for the 26-year-old guard.