In a significant move driven by an unprecedented wave of injuries, the Indiana Pacers have signed three-time Slam Dunk Champion and G-League MVP Mac McClung to his first multiyear standard NBA contract, while simultaneously waiving former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman to create roster space. This strategic shift underscores the Pacers’ desperate need for backcourt depth and offers McClung a long-awaited opportunity to prove his mettle beyond the highlight reel.
The Indiana Pacers are making a drastic roster change, driven by an acute and mounting injury crisis that has severely depleted their backcourt options. In a move first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Pacers have signed explosive guard Mac McClung to a multiyear standard NBA contract. To facilitate this addition, Indiana will waive center James Wiseman, a former No. 2 overall pick whose career has been plagued by injuries.
Pacers’ Backcourt Bleeds: A Season-Opening Nightmare
The 2025-26 NBA season has barely begun, and the Indiana Pacers are already facing an uphill battle against an unprecedented injury epidemic. Their woes began even before opening night with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the entire season due to a torn Achilles. The situation has only worsened dramatically since then, forcing the team to seek immediate solutions.
Key guards and wings have fallen victim to various ailments, leaving the Pacers severely short-handed. The extensive list of injured players includes:
- Tyrese Haliburton: Torn Achilles (out for the year)
- T.J. McConnell: Hamstring strain (suffered preseason, expected to miss at least a month)
- Andrew Nembhard: Shoulder strain (day-to-day)
- Bennedict Mathurin: Right toe issue (sidelined, day-to-day)
- Obi Toppin: Undisclosed injury (day-to-day)
- Taelon Peter and Kam Jones: Also sidelined, further compounding depth issues.
This dire situation saw the Pacers with seven players ruled out for a recent contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves, highlighting their urgent need for immediate reinforcements in the backcourt.
Mac McClung’s Meteoric Rise from G-League MVP to NBA Contract
For many casual fans, Mac McClung is synonymous with gravity-defying dunks, having made history as the NBA’s first-ever three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion. However, his journey to a standard NBA contract is far more profound than just highlight-reel athleticism.
After entering the league in 2021, McClung primarily honed his craft in the G-League, where he has been a consistent standout. His dedication and performance culminated in back-to-back All-G League honors in 2024 and 2025. His 2023-24 campaign was particularly dominant, earning him the prestigious G-League MVP award. That season, he posted impressive averages of 25.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, shooting 47.0% from the field and a respectable 36.0% from beyond the arc on nearly nine attempts per night, according to NBA.com.
Despite his G-League success, McClung’s NBA career has been limited, with just six games and 76 total minutes across three seasons on camp and two-way deals. This multiyear contract with the Pacers, reportedly a non-guaranteed deal for the veteran minimum of $2.2 million, marks a pivotal moment, offering him the first genuine opportunity to establish himself on a regular NBA roster. He was most recently with the Orlando Magic and was slated to join the Windy City Bulls’ G-League affiliate before Indiana’s unexpected call.
James Wiseman’s Unfortunate Stint and Future as a Free Agent
To create the necessary roster space for McClung, the Pacers have decided to waive James Wiseman. The 7-foot center, originally the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has had a challenging professional career defined by injuries and inconsistency. Over five seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, and Indiana Pacers, Wiseman has averaged 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game.
Wiseman’s most significant setback was a torn Achilles suffered at the start of last season, which sidelined him for more than a year. He had only recently made his return to the court, playing 20 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies and recording 4 points, 4 rebounds, and a block. His contract with the Pacers included a partial guarantee of $1 million, making his waiver a calculated financial decision for the team amidst their guard crisis.
Now a free agent, Wiseman, at 24 years old, faces another juncture in his career. His physical tools and flashes of potential may still attract interest from teams in need of frontcourt depth, but his injury history and undeveloped game remain significant concerns for potential suitors, as noted by HoopsHype.
Fan Outlook: Hopes for McClung, Questions for Wiseman
The Pacers’ acquisition of Mac McClung has ignited a mix of excitement and curiosity within the fan community. While his highlight-reel dunks are undeniable, the real question for fans is whether his G-League offensive prowess can translate into consistent NBA production, particularly in a system desperate for playmaking and scoring. Given the team’s extensive injuries, McClung is expected to see significant minutes, a chance he has long awaited.
For James Wiseman, the sentiment among fans is largely one of concern and ‘what-if’. A player drafted so high, with such immense potential, has struggled to find his footing due to health and development challenges. His journey will be closely watched, as many hope he can find a stable environment to finally unlock his talent.
As Indiana navigates this challenging start to the season, the addition of McClung is a testament to their immediate need for fresh legs and competitive fire. While he may not be the long-term answer to all their woes, he represents a hopeful injection of energy and an intriguing storyline for Pacers fans to follow, offering a glimmer of opportunity amidst adversity.
