MAC MCCLUNG CAN'T CATCH A BREAK

Over the years, I’ve always felt uneasy about Mac McClung’s inclusion in every NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Not to sound discriminatory, but one of the basic requirements for joining should be that you actually play in the NBA. McClung has mostly been a G-League fixture, and back in the day, the dunk contest was a stage for young players from small-market teams to break out—guys like Jason Richardson, Desmond Mason, and even Vince Carter (as a way to bring fans to Toronto,) for that matter.

That said, with how things have gone, maybe McClung’s destiny really is to become a G-League legend.

Ouch.

That said, I can’t help wondering—why hasn’t he stuck around in the NBA? Does he underperform in team meetings or practices? Why do teams sign him to multi-year deals only to waive him after a handful of games?

Who exactly did he piss off?

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers—who many thought SHOULD be tanking—just signed veteran guard Monte Morris. Morris, a reliable playmaker since his Denver days, is the safe and smart choice over an exciting but unproven point guard like McClung. I mean, there is a reason why Morris has 420 games under his belt while McClung could muster only nine. Still, Morris is over 30, and let’s be honest—he’s not exactly a box-office draw. I’ve actually seen people look for Osceola Magic jerseys because of McClung. Imagine if he were a full-time NBA player; fans would probably be lining up to buy his jersey even before the dunk contest begins.

The Pacers’ move makes me think there’s more to the story. Maybe they’ve already made long-term plans for Morris next season (which is odd considering they already have TJ McConnell and Andrew Nembhard), or maybe it’s just Rick Carlisle being Rick Carlisle—a coach who refuses to tank. This is the same guy who led a ragtag Pacers squad to the NBA Finals barely six months ago. Losing on purpose just isn’t in his DNA.

So for now, I guess McClung heads back to the G-League, waiting for another shot. Technically, yes, he played a few games in the NBA this season, which makes him eligible for the dunk contest.

But let’s be real—it’s not the same when you’re wearing an affiliate jersey instead of an NBA one.

FROM CLUTCH POINTS