In search of backcourt help, the Pacers brought in three guards for a workout — and Mac McClung earned the spot. The G League MVP and three-time dunk contest champion joins Indiana on his first standard NBA deal as injuries continue to mount.
The Indiana Pacers held a workout with three players competing for one spot to join the team. Giving the Pacers' early-season injuries concerns at guard, they need reinforcements.
Guard Mac McClung impressed team evaluators, then was signed to a rest-of-season contract on Tuesday. The Pacers are currently on the road in Dallas, where they'll finish off a three-game road trip on Wednesday against the Mavericks.
Then, they'll return home for a four-game homestand.
Because the Pacers had a full 15-man roster, they waived center James Wiseman to make room for the addition. He was the Warriors' selection at No. 2 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
He signed with the Pacers in free agency before the 2024-25 season, then tore his left Achilles in the first game of the season.
This past Friday, Oct. 24, marked one year since he had surgery. He started in their game on Saturday in Memphis — his only appearance in three games this season.
So far, the play they have gotten at center has been underwhelming. But, they have a more pressing need in the backcourt with playmaking guards.
That's where Mcclung comes in. He participated in one practice and will be in uniform on Wednesday. He chose to wear No. 3.
McClung is more than a three-time NBA Slam Dunk winner — he was the G League MVP for the 2024-25 season. He's had brief stints in the NBA with the Lakers, Bulls, 76ers, and Magic.
But this deal with the Pacers is extra special for McClung because it's his first standard NBA contract. Before, he had only signed camp deals and two-way contracts.
Pacers Injuries One Week Into the Season
- Tyrese Haliburton — right Achilles rehab
- Kam Jones — low back stress reaction (out until mid-November)
- T.J. McConnell — left hamstring strain (out until mid-November)
- Quenton Jackson* — right hamstring strain
- Johnny Furphy — sore left foot
- Andrew Nembhard — left shoulder strain
- Taelon Peter* — right groin strain
- Bennedict Mathurin — right great big toe strain (out several weeks)
- Obi Toppin — right leg soreness (out until December)
Scott Agness is the longest-tenured Pacers beat reporter. He enters his 14th season covering the team and he's been around The Fieldhouse since 2003. He runs Fieldhouse Files — covering the Pacers, Boom, and Fever — and hosts "The Fieldhouse Files Podcast."