McClung's NBA Breakthrough: Pacers Multiyear Deal

Indiana has signed high-flyer Mac McClung to his first standard NBA contract, a multiyear, non-guaranteed deal that will come at the expense of waiving James Wiseman to open a roster spot. McClung — a three-time Dunk Contest champion and recent G League MVP who averaged 25.7 points and 5.7 assists last season — has played just six NBA games, but the Pacers are betting his scoring and pop can help a backcourt that needs depth. Merlin sees a classic underdog chapter: McClung’s athleticism and G League success earn him a real opportunity, yet the non-guaranteed nature means he must show shooting, defense and playmaking to stick. If he can translate that scoring touch without becoming a defensive liability, Indiana gets a high-upside bench scorer; if not, this becomes another brief stop on a long journey.