Can Mac McClung's heroics at 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest earn him a place on Philadelphia 76ers roster with Joel Embiid and James Harden?
Mac McClung just stole the show with his jaw-dropping slams in the recently-concluded NBA Slam Dunk contest. He was the first G League player to be invited to the said competition.
After his mesmerizing aerial show that brought back the glory days of the contest, McClung's next step could be a regular NBA spot. He is currently on a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers but has been playing with the Delaware Blue Coats, Philly's G League affiliate.
Earning a spot on Philly's crowded backcourt could be far more difficult than his game-winning windmill slam that had the crowd standing in appreciation.
MCCLUNG SAID "IT'S OVER" 😮💨 https://t.co/2J6DUeDXQY
The Philadelphia 76ers already have James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, De'Anthony Melton, Shake Milton and Jaden Springer. Furkan Korkmaz has also toggled between small forward and shooting guard on numerous occasions.
Unless that backcourt is decimated by injuries, Mac McClung's chances of cracking the roster may be next to none.
The high-flying guard, however, is no stranger to adversity and may just prove his worth after tonight's exposure. He was an undrafted free agent rookie in 2021 and went to the Summer League for the LA Lakers.
McClung eventually got the chance to play with LeBron James when he signed with the Lakers on August 10, 2021. He played just one game for the Tinseltown squad before the team waived him two months later.
Mac McClung signed a 10-day contract with the Chicago Bulls after his first stint with the Lakers. He played one game for the Bulls and spent his time with the Motor City Cruise, Chicago's G League affiliate.
For last year's G League Rookie of the Year, Mac McClung, getting back to the NBA is the only thing that matters. Check out the second episode of "The Break," presented by @TheGeneralAuto, premiering on December 27 on YouTube. https://t.co/x4bCBofiei
A second stint with the South Bay Lakers ended very well for McClung as he was named the G League Rookie of the Year. The Lakers noticed his performance and he was given a two-way contract in April 2022. LA, again, let him go after not taking up their team option on the dunk artist.
Mac McClung's next journey took him to San Francisco, where he signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Golden State Warriors. However, he was released just before the start of training camp.
Mac McClung finally finds his way to Philadelphia
After endless pit stops in the West, Mac McClung's basketball journey took him east where he signed for the Delaware Blue Coats. Five days ago, he signed a two-way contract for with the Philadelphia 76ers.
On Saturday night, he rocked the basketball world with three of the most stunning dunks the NBA has seen in years of holding the competition.
Philly's backcourt is loaded, but they may just take a chance on McClung and give him a regular spot. He is averaging 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists in his G League career.
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Winning G League Rookie of the Year last year was a big stepping stone as he is not just a dunk artist. However, he will have to improve his shooting and defense to become a mainstay in Philly's lineup.
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