The Orlando Magic have recently signed back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion and reigning G League MVP Mac McClung to a partially guaranteed contract for a chance to compete for a roster spot ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
This will be McClung’s second training camp go-round with the Orlando Magic after getting the same invite last season but didn’t make the final cut.
He spent much of the 2023-24 season with the team’s G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, where he posted averages of 25.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in 35.6 minutes per night.
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The last time Mac McClung played in an NBA game was in April 2023 with the Philadelphia 76ers in a 134-105 win over the Brooklyn Nets. He flirted with a triple-double in that match, notching 20 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists while going 8-for-17 from the field in 33 minutes.
Can Mac McClung make it to the Orlando Magic’s final cut this time?
Just like last year, the odds are stacked against Mac McClung to make it to the final roster because of the Orlando Magic’s deep backcourt rotation with Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Gary Harris, and Cory Joseph all in tow.
While Mac McClung has proven his capability to score, the biggest question about his game is his defense because of his size. At 6’2″ and 185 pounds, the 25-year-old remains a work in progress defensively against the best NBA guards.
If McClung somehow makes it, he will surely become a fan favorite in Orlando because of his athleticism.
