Mac McClung always thought he belonged in the NBA

« They simply told me that I would be flying in a few hours. » As he prepared to start the season with the Windy City Bulls in the G-League, Mac McClung received a phone call that would likely change the course of his career: the Pacers invited him to come and do a test with other players.

« Thank God, this opportunity came true », hit the 26-year-old which in recent years has shackled “two-way contracts”, ten-day tryouts or invitations to training camps until receiving this the first “standard” contract is certainly not guaranteed (it will become January 10).

« I have failed many times. But there is something in my soul that, thank God, has given me the resilience that makes me believe that I am made for this level », displays the background.

And this after months of wondering when it would appear. In the past, the Georgetown and Texas Tech-trained guard has garnered maximum attention by winning the slam dunk three years in a row (2023, 2024 and 2025). Enough to earn a contract at the end of the season with the Sixers. But without ever finding his place.

Since his college career ended in 2021, after which he went undrafted, he has made just six major league appearances.

The Pacers are looking for players who are simply capable of playing

« People around you are like, ‘Hey man, how many years are you going to be in this G League?’ This year was probably the hardest emotionally. People who love you tell you, ‘Hey man, maybe you should be a little more realistic about this situation.’ But I think that when something is in your soul, you just have to pursue it and trust God » says Mac McClung, who says he has received interest from clubs in Europe and Australia.

Instead of an overseas exile, he joins an Indiana-based team in need of reinforcements at the 1 and 2 positions. Andrew Nembhardt (shoulder) should be back soon, Benedict Maturin (finger) is out at least a week, Cam Jones (back) and TJ McConnell (hamstring) even longer. Not to mention Tyrese Haliburton, who will be out for the entire season. In other words, there is room to occupy.

« He is a striker. He is aggressive. He is healthy, which is important now. It is an opportunity for him and for us. Anyone who can be healthy, available and able to play minutes is extremely important right now “, notes Rick Carlisle.

It’s up to Mac McClung to show he’s more than an (exceptional) competitive dunker. “ If you know me, I go for it without holding back. I give everything, no matter how much it costs », He promises in any case to the person concerned.