Indiana Pacers Make Swift Roster Change, Waiving Mac McClung to Acquire Veteran Guard Monte Morris

The Indiana Pacers have reportedly decided to waive three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung, less than two weeks after signing him to a multiyear standard NBA contract. The move, first reported by ESPN, facilitates the acquisition of veteran guard Monte Morris, who is set to fill the newly opened roster spot. This decision underscores the Pacers’ ongoing efforts to address immediate roster needs and stabilize their backcourt amidst a challenging start to the 2025-2026 NBA season.

McClung’s tenure with the Pacers was notably brief, marking a significant turn for the 26-year-old guard who had only recently secured his first standard NBA deal on October 28. His professional journey has largely been characterized by short-term contracts and two-way agreements, oscillating between the NBA G League and brief stints with several NBA franchises, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic. The multiyear contract with Indiana represented a potential turning point, offering a degree of stability not previously afforded to the high-flying guard.

During his brief time with the Pacers, McClung participated in three games, which constituted his most extensive appearance for a single NBA team within a season. Across these contests, he averaged 6.3 points per game, shooting 38.9% from the field. His most significant contributions came in his initial two outings, where he saw more substantial minutes and demonstrated flashes of his offensive capability. However, his playing time diminished considerably in his final game, where he registered just two minutes on the court, signaling a potential shift in the coaching staff’s assessment of his immediate fit within the team’s rotation.

McClung’s path to the NBA has been unique, primarily propelled by his exceptional athleticism and unparalleled dunking prowess. He has carved out a distinct reputation as a supreme athlete, a skill set that has translated into unprecedented success in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His remarkable achievements include winning the contest at the last three consecutive All-Star weekends. McClung’s dominance in the event began in 2023, where he participated on a two-way contract with the 76ers and delivered a performance that included perfect 50 scores on all but one of his dunks, captivating audiences and solidifying his place as a fan favorite. He successfully defended his title the following year and made history in 2025 by securing his third consecutive championship, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve such a feat. His three dunk crowns now match those of Nate Robinson, who previously held the distinction as the only other player to win the contest three times. This consistent excellence in the dunk contest has elevated his profile significantly, making him a household name among basketball enthusiasts despite his limited NBA playing time.

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Beyond the spectacle of the Slam Dunk Contest, McClung has also demonstrated considerable talent as a G League standout. He boasts an impressive track record at that level, highlighted by his MVP award during a stellar season with the Osceola Magic. In his MVP-winning campaign, McClung showcased a more complete offensive game, consistently delivering high-scoring performances, demonstrating playmaking ability, and exhibiting efficient shooting percentages, proving he is more than just a dunker. His G League statistics often painted a picture of a player ready for a bigger role, but the translation of that success to consistent NBA minutes has remained elusive. The disparity between his G League dominance and his NBA opportunities underscores the challenging transition for many players who excel in the developmental league.

The decision to waive McClung is intricately linked to the Indiana Pacers’ current struggles and their strategic imperative to bolster their roster with specific skill sets. The Pacers find themselves in a challenging position early in the season, holding a 1-7 record, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards for the worst record in the NBA. This dire start has evidently prompted the front office to make proactive adjustments to address immediate team deficiencies, particularly in the backcourt.

Monte Morris, the veteran guard signed to fill McClung’s roster spot, brings a different dimension to the Pacers’ lineup. At 29 years old, Morris is known for his reliable playmaking, efficient scoring, and solid decision-making. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a capable point guard, valued for his low-turnover rate and ability to manage an offense effectively. Morris previously played for the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, and Detroit Pistons, often serving as a key rotational player or even a starting point guard. His career averages, including a commendable assist-to-turnover ratio, highlight his responsible approach to the game. For a Pacers squad grappling with early-season inconsistencies and seeking to improve their overall offensive flow and defensive stability, Morris’s experience and steady hand are expected to be valuable assets. He offers a more traditional point guard skillset, providing depth and a veteran presence that the team appears to prioritize.

This latest roster adjustment follows a pattern of recent changes for the Pacers. When McClung was initially signed on October 28, the team waived former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman to create the necessary roster space. Wiseman, a promising but unfulfilled talent, had also had a brief and unremarkable stint with the Pacers after being acquired in the offseason. The sequence of waiving Wiseman for McClung, and now McClung for Morris, illustrates a continuous effort by the Pacers’ front office to find the right combination of players to navigate their challenging early-season circumstances. The backcourt, in particular, has been a revolving door, indicating a search for stability and optimal production alongside star guard Tyrese Haliburton and other key players like Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin.

As the Pacers move forward without Mac McClung, their immediate focus will be on integrating Monte Morris and turning around their disappointing start to the season. The team faces significant challenges in digging themselves out of their 1-7 hole, and the addition of a seasoned guard like Morris is a clear signal of their intent to prioritize experience and fundamental reliability over potential upside or specialized skill sets in their current predicament. For McClung, the waiver marks another chapter in his unconventional career, leaving him once again in search of an NBA opportunity where his unique talents can be consistently utilized.