NBA Draft

2020 NBA Draft Profiles, Vol. 2: Mac McClung

Jamaill HinesApril 15, 20202 Mins read423

(Georgetown, Sophomore)

Height: 6’2
Weight: 186lbs
Age: 20
’19-20 stats: 26.8 MPG/15.7 PPG/ 3.1 RPG/2.4 APG/39% FG (50% true shooting)/32% 3PT (4.6 attempts/game)/80% FT
Specialist Potential: None

Essential Strengths

An elite, highlight-reel athlete who excels as an above-the-rim finisher in both the open floor and with take-off space in the half-court. Equipped with a 47-inch vertical, explosive, and powerful leaping ability, defenders think twice about contesting him at the rim. He will undoubtedly be a top-tier NBA athlete from day one.
Scoring-minded, shot-making guard that is capable of hitting tough shots and getting hot for stretches.
Impressive improvement as a ball-handler and live dribble scorer from his freshman to sophomore year. McClung is more comfortable and creative with his dribble moves to create scoring opportunities in isolation, ball screens, and transition. This comfort led to upticks in scoring (13.1 to 15.7 PPG), free throw attempts (3.8 to 4.8 FTA/game), and mid-range shot creation (29.4 to 40.8 percent of his attempts coming from two-point range) despite playing just 21 games due to eye and foot injuries.
Possesses the athleticism to become an event-creating defender at the NBA level. This athleticism was evident with his increased effort and activity on and off the ball this year, resulting in more on-ball resistance and passing lane disruption (0.8 to 1.4 SPG in nearly identical minutes per game each year).
A feisty and fearless competitor with an infectious swagger that can help shift momentum in a game.

https://twitter.com/SLAMonline/status/1244332768152162313

Improvement Areas

Inconsistent three-point and mid-range shooter. With proper form and terrific elevation, McClung made notable strides this year as a three-point shooter, rising from 27% (39-141 3PA) to 32% (31-96 3PA) on 4.6 attempts/game. Even with encouraging strides, he is still a 29% career three-point shooter that shot a concerning 43% on two-point attempts this year.
At his best as a lead ball-handler, but will need to grow as a decision-maker, facilitator, and playmaker for teams to trust him to operate as a lead. This improvement includes becoming a more balanced pick and roll player where he is far more comfortable as a scorer than passer.
Can struggle to create excellent scoring opportunities and finish at the rim against NBA-caliber size and length. McClung saw a drop in his rim finishing percentage (60.9 to 51.5 percent). However, it is fair to attribute some of his struggles to injuries.

Offensive Role: Bench scorer, rim finisher, transition attacker, secondary ball handler

Defensive Role: Off ball defender, event creator, team defender

Role Category: End of rotation player (ceiling)/fringe player (floor)

Foundation Projection: Support piece (ceiling)/fringe piece (floor)

Swing factors: Three-point shooting, off dribble scoring consistency, point guard skills defensive activity

NBA Comp: Blend of Will Bynum (Georgia Tech) and Dee Brown (Jacksonville University)

CONCLUSION

McClung is an explosive, scoring-minded combo guard capable of scoring on all three levels when he is in rhythm. He is most comfortable as a lead ball-handler. Still, he needs to continue the strides made this year as a more consistent overall shooter, playmaker, and decision-maker to be reliable in that role on the NBA level. With more growth in those areas, teams can overlook some of the defensive concerns around his lack of size and inconsistent effort.

I would consider McClung late in the second round and, if undrafted, prioritize him as an undrafted free agent. A return to Georgetown for another year of upward development, along with a full pre-draft process, could cement McClung as a draftable and potential impact player next year’s 2021 NBA draft.