In another bold move, Golden State grabs Lakers’ Summer League Standout Mac McClung. The Warriors signed McClung to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal. Most importantly, he will be part of the 15-man roster of the team.
Golden State Grabs Lakers’ Summer League Standout Mac McClung
Mac McClung delivered the goods in the 2022-2023 Las Vegas Summer League. Since then, the Warriors never took their eyes off him. He averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent from the 3-point range.
McClung split his 2021-2022 season with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he played only a game each for both clubs in his two appearances in the NBA. In addition, he spent most of the year playing for the South Bay Lakers of the G League.
Before joining the big league, McClung played for the Georgetown Hoyas from the 2018 to 2021 season. He left Georgetown for the Texas Tech Red Raiders in his senior year. In May 2021, McClung confirmed that he would remain in the draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility.
Undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft
McClung went undrafted in the 2021 draft but joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the NBA Summer League. He was signed to the team but eventually waived through. He then joined the South Bay Lakers, a G-League affiliate team of the LA Lakers. The 23-year-old McClung received the G League Rookie of the Year award with an average of 21.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.6 rebounds in 27 games.
The former Red Raider played for 2 games with the Lakers California Classic in the 2022 Summer League. After which, he joined the Golden State Warriors where he stood out from the rest. This is where the Golden State grabs Lakers’ former standout, Mac McClung.
What Mac McClung brings to the Dubs
McClung wowed the crowd in Vegas with his combination of flashy playmaking and skillful scoring capability. The young potential could bring some excitement to the Golden State bench. Especially if he can mirror his performance in the 2022 Summer League.
McClung struggled to find his footing in the NBA, but the potential is there. His efficiency is what likely impressed scouts the most and ultimately earned him a spot on the 15-man roster. McClung could help the Dubs defend their championship title. He is assertive in the pick and roll and could bring his playmaking skills off the bench. Additionally, the Warriors’ budget has its limits. So, adding McClung is a low-risk, low-cost way to fill out the roster.
This is a good shot for the young gun. Promising players like Gary Payton II took the opportunity they had with the Warriors and eventually, transformed their careers. Hopefully, McClung can do the same. The former YouTube sensation and high school phenomenon may not be a force for title contention, but he can help bring more spark to the bench and to the Dubs-nation fans.
