Key Highlights
- Mac McClung signed a two-year, $4.9 million contract with the Indiana Pacers on October 28, 2025.
- McClung has been playing in the G League for multiple organizations before joining the Pacers.
- The Pacers are facing significant injuries this season, including Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles tear and other players’ injuries.
- McClung is averaging 6.3 points per game with the Pacers in their first few games.
Pacers Add Mac McClung to Strengthen Bench
The Indiana Pacers have signed guard Mac McClung to a non-guaranteed two-year, $4.9 million contract with an option for the 2026-27 season, as of October 28, 2025. This marks the first standard NBA contract for McClung after years of G League and other minor league experience.
“I was in Chicago about to play for their G league team, and then I got a call that could work out with a bunch of NBA vets,” McClung recounted. “As I was walking out, they told me not to get on a plane or whatever. It’s been five years trying to chase a contract. So it’s a really beautiful moment where I just thought about all the people who have been along with me for it.”
McClung’s Journey to the NBA
After going undrafted in 2021, McClung has played for various organizations including the Bulls, Lakers, 76ers, and Magic. He was named G League Rookie of the Year for the South Bay Lakers in 2021-22, averaging 19.5 points and 6.3 assists per game. In 2023-24, he won G League MVP with the Osceola Magic after posting averages of 25.2 points and 6.4 assists per game.
“It’s been quite a roller coaster,” McClung said. “But I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve got to see a lot of people, different organizations, and meet a lot of good people. And it’s definitely been mine.”
Current Situation for the Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are currently facing an uphill battle due to injuries among their key players. Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles tear in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, and other injuries have further depleted the team’s bench strength. T.J.
McConnell is out with a hamstring injury, Andrew Nembhard has been sidelined by a shoulder injury, and Bennedict Mathurin remains week-to-week due to a toe injury.
“He’s a young player but he has some experience,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after McClung’s first practice. “And he’s been in professional leagues. He’s played in a lot of G League games. He’s played some NBA basketball.
He’s got a pretty good natural feel for the NBA game.”
Carlisle added, “He’ll be playing some two and one. I know he’s excited. We’re happy to have him on board.
He’s an attacker. He’s aggressive. He’s healthy, which is important right now.”
First Impressions with the Pacers
Since joining Indiana, McClung has contributed 6.3 points per game along with 1.7 steals and 1.3 rebounds in his first three games. His presence provides depth to the Pacers’ backcourt as they navigate through an injury-prone season.
“It’s been great. It’s very welcoming,” McClung noted. “Everybody’s been very kind, and I really like the people, and Indiana, playing basketball here. That’s a dream.”
Upcoming Schedule for the Pacers
The Pacers are set to head West starting Saturday for four games against the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, and Phoenix Suns.
In their recent matchup with the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, the Pacers faced a back-and-forth battle. They were led by Pascal Siakam’s 23 points and 10 assists, while Ben Sheppard scored 18 points. Backup center Jay Huff added 16 points with four three-pointers.
Assistant coach Lloyd Pierce took over as head coach in Rick Carlisle’s absence after he was ejected for two technical fouls during a confusing on-court call.
