With the NBA being a month removed from All-Star Weekend, the regular season is quickly coming to a close.
This is the time for contenders to focus on who they’re potentially playing and for other teams to make that late playoff push. The Philadelphia 76ers recently clinched a playoff berth with the Brooklyn Nets losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers last week.
The Sixers are preparing to make a deep playoff run behind MVP-caliber big man Joel Embiid. Two-way player Mac McClung is ineligible for the postseason, but it’s never too early to see if he’s worth adding to Philly’s full roster next season.
Last month, McClung was on top of the world, as he took home the 2023 NBA Dunk Contest trophy after a near-perfect showing, just days after signing a two-way contract with the 76ers.
McClung completed every emphatic dunk on the first attempt, leading numerous fans to claim him as the savior of the dunk contest. He also made history, becoming the first G League player to participate in and win the dunk contest.
Since then, he’s been playing for the 76ers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. With six games left in the Sixers’ regular season, how much of McClung will we get to see?
"IT IS OVER LADIES AND GENTLEMAN" đź—Ł#ATTSlamDunk pic.twitter.com/WP098H7fav
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 19, 2023
Since joining the Blue Coats, McClung has averaged 19.8 points (55% FG, 47% 3PT, 82% FT), 2.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists across 26.7 minutes per game. Along with efficient scoring and play, he earned G League Player of the Week honors on Mar. 7.
During this week, the 24-year-old averaged 28.7 points, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 61.9% from three, leading the team to a 3-0 record. The Virginia native also led the way in an impressive 148-116 win over the Texas Legends, dropping 27 points and eight assists while shooting 69% from the field and going 3-of-5 from three.
Mac McClung gettin' SUPER fancy on that finish! 🔥 @blue_coats pic.twitter.com/mnUJBE5cRv
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) March 15, 2023
McClung would be able to provide the Sixers with playmaking, shooting, explosiveness and solid-enough defense for future seasons. For the past couple of campaigns, the 76ers have been a team built around Embiid and another co-star, usually relying on them to carry the team far.
76ers guard and NBA Slam Dunk champion Mac McClung sits down with @Stadium: “I have a couple dunks I didn’t do that I don’t think have been seen before.” Also: Potential NBA G League title and MVP this season, dunk contest lessons, goals and more. pic.twitter.com/QPM1wjyozy
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 29, 2023
The G League star stated in a recent interview with The Athletic’s Shams Charania that he wanted to showcase his ability to adapt to numerous situations. He also credits that he’s executed playing different roles for the Blue Coats as said he’s focused on showing to the NBA how he can fit any role they need him to fill.
Promoting McClung for the 2023-24 season wouldn’t provide the team another star, but instead gives the team another role player who can take some of the load off their stars.
