Mac McClung and his NBA journey has hit one other roadblock. Lower than two weeks after lastly touchdown his first full-time NBA contract, the Indiana Pacers have reportedly waived the three-time Slam Dunk Contest winner, based on ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The transfer comes solely 10 days after McClung signed a multiyear take care of Indiana, a second that the 25-year-old guard described as deeply emotional after years of bouncing between groups and the G League.
“I bought in my automobile, and I couldn’t assist however get emotional,” McClung instructed The Athletic earlier this week. “I used to be similar to, man, it’s been 5 years making an attempt to chase a contract. So it’s a extremely stunning second the place I simply thought of all of the individuals who have been together with me for it.”
McClung’s stint with the Pacers was transient. He appeared in three video games, all losses, averaging 6.3 factors, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in roughly 11 minutes per contest. His enjoying time diminished sharply by his third look, logging simply two minutes in Indiana’s last-second loss to Milwaukee on Monday.
Indiana’s resolution reportedly got here because the staff juggled accidents to its backcourt. With star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the season with an Achilles damage and each Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell lacking time, the Pacers initially introduced McClung in so as to add depth.
However with gamers returning to well being and the roster stabilizing, McClung’s contract grew to become expendable.
The previous Texas Tech standout first entered the league in 2021 as an undrafted free agent and has since performed for 5 NBA organizations. Whereas he’s dazzled followers along with his aerial artistry, changing into the first-ever three-peat winner of the Slam Dunk Contest from 2023 via 2025, constant NBA minutes have confirmed elusive.
For now, McClung’s chase continues, again to the grind that has outlined his profession since day one.
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