3 G League guards Cavaliers could sign to 10-day contract
G League guards the Cavaliers can sign: Mac McClung
The story of Mac McClung has been making its way around ever since he was announced as a participant in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and doubly so after he won it in such a dominant fashion. The 24-year-old guard showed off incredible athleticism, power and control and threw home all four of his dunks on the first try, a rare accomplishment in the modern dunk contest.
A high school star on social media due to his dunking ability, McClung had a lackluster college career and has struggled to find an NBA home since going undrafted out of Texas Tech in 2021. He has spent most of his time bouncing around various G League teams, playing a game each for the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
The reality with McClung is that he is more than just a dunker. He has worked hard on his shot, and after hitting just 31.3 percent of his 3-pointers in college has become a reliable shooter in the G League, including hitting 40.8 percent across all competition this season. His explosion with the ball attacking the rim puts pressure on defenders deciding whether to close out hard or protect against the drive.
The 6’2″ McClung is small and has had to rebuild his game from an inefficient on-ball scorer to a valuable off-ball player, but he is getting there. He has improved as a passer, shooter and off-ball mover in the G League, and it’s worth it for a team to give him an extended shot to make a team.
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Currently that team is the Philadelphia 76ers, who have McClung signed to a 10-day contract. If they don’t renew that deal he will return to the G League a free agent eligible to sign with any other team, and the Cavs might like to give him a look and unleash him in practice. Perhaps there is something there worth keeping around for longer.