While this may feel like a dead period in the NBA, teams have been making adjustments to their respective rosters.
In addition to bringing in two 2024 summer league participants, the Orlando Magic signed a two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion and G league MVP.
“The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guards Mac McClung, Javonte Smart and Ethan Thompson,” president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman announced on Thursday. “Per team policy, terms of the deals are not disclosed.”
Last year, McClung suited up for the Osceola Magic in the NBA G League and enjoyed his most prolific season as a professional. He averaged 25.7 points per contest while shooting 50.7% from the field and 39.6% from three-point land. As a result, McClung secured the G League MVP award at the end of the season.
Since going undrafted in 2021, McClung has been fighting for a full-time NBA job. He’s earned multiple 10-day and two-way contracts but can’t seem to convince a franchise to take the leap of faith with him. He’s a fearless 6-foot-2 guard with plenty of wiggle in his game. Once he executes clean left-to-right crossovers on the perimeter, he allows his instincts to take over and guide him toward the rim. When he finally arrives, he flaunts his remarkable 43.5-inch vertical leap.
That unbelievable athleticism was present during the last two NBA Slam Dunk competitions, as McClung became the first G League player to receive an invitation. More impressively, McClung took home the hardware on both occasions, making it possible for a non-NBA member to make a splash in the event.
McClung has only appeared in four NBA games thus far, but that number could increase during the 2024-25 season.
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