A recent and likely future member of the Delaware Blue Coats will show his unique talents during the NBA’s All-Star weekend Saturday.
Mac McClung became the first G League player chosen for the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest in January.
He’ll go into Saturday’s 8:30 p.m. competition, airing on TNT, as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after Tuesday’s announcement he’d been signed to a two-way contract. That allows the 6-foot-2 guard to shuttle back and forth between the two teams.
It was McClung’s exploits in G League games, however, at Wilmington’s Chase Fieldhouse and on opposing courts that earned the invitation to what has long been one of the NBA’s signature events.
He has some tough competition in Kenyon Martin Jr. of the Houston Rockets, Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans and Jericho Sims of the New York Knicks.
McClung’s eye-catching slams, often involving double clutches and 360-degree spins, have been a fan favorite and wowed teammates and opponents as well.
McClung is also in the Jordan Rising Stars Game Friday night and the G League Next Up Game Sunday in Salt Lake City. He leads the Blue Coats with 19.1 points per game while shooting 57.9 percent overall and 50 percent on 3-pointers, showing he is as adept far from the rim as he is above it.
The Gate City, Virginia, native played two seasons at Georgetown and one at Texas Tech before declaring for the NBA Draft. He was not drafted but signed with the Lakers.
McClung, 24, was waived by the Lakers but joined their South Bay Lakers G League team and was eventually named G League Rookie of the Year after averaging 21.6 points, 7.6 assists and 6.6 rebounds per game.
He did have a pair of 10-day contracts with the Chicago Bulls in 2021-22, appearing in one game, and also played in one late-season game for the L.A. Lakers.
McClung was signed by the 76ers in October after being previously released by the Lakers and Warriors.
The Blue Coats, who reached the G League finals last season, are 13-5 and in second place in the the Eastern Conference going into Wednesday’s home game against the Motor City Cruise.
Have an idea for a compelling local sports story or is there an issue that needs public scrutiny? Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com.
