The Indiana Pacers have made a drastic roster move, signing electrifying three-time Slam Dunk champion Mac McClung to a multiyear contract and waiving former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman, a direct response to a staggering list of injuries that has decimated their backcourt and sidelined key players.
The Indiana Pacers are in uncharted territory early in the 2025-26 NBA season, battling an injury crisis that has forced them to dig deep into the talent pool. Their latest move sees them add a fan-favorite, Mac McClung, renowned for his aerial artistry, while parting ways with a young big man who has struggled to find his footing in the league, James Wiseman.
This decision underscores the severity of the Pacers’ current predicament, as the team attempts to bolster its depleted roster and inject some much-needed energy and depth. McClung’s signing marks a significant milestone in his career, securing his first standard NBA contract after years of dominating the G-League and captivating audiences with his dunking prowess.
Mac McClung: From G-League MVP to Standard NBA Contract
For Mac McClung, this multiyear contract with the Pacers is the culmination of years of hard work and consistent excellence in the NBA G-League. The 6-foot-2 guard has carved out a unique niche in the basketball world, not only as an internet sensation but also as a proven performer on the court.
McClung made history by becoming the first player to win three consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contests, showcasing an incredible blend of creativity and athleticism that few can match. Beyond the highlight reels, his game matured significantly in the G-League.
During his standout 2023-24 campaign, McClung earned the G-League MVP award, averaging an impressive 25.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. He shot 47.0% from the field, including a respectable 36.0% on 8.9 nightly attempts from 3-point range, demonstrating a well-rounded offensive game that extends far beyond just dunking. He followed that up with back-to-back All-G League honors in 2024 and 2025, solidifying his status as a top-tier G-League talent. Despite this success, McClung has only appeared in six NBA games across three seasons prior to this signing, playing for the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Orlando Magic, as detailed by Basketball-Reference.
The Pacers’ Unprecedented Injury Woes
The decision to bring in McClung stems directly from a rash of severe injuries that have plagued the Pacers’ roster since the start of the season. The team opened its campaign already without two-time All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is expected to miss the entire season after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery in June. This devastating blow to their primary playmaker left a massive void.
The injury list has only grown since then, creating an urgent need for healthy bodies, especially in the backcourt. Key players currently sidelined include:
- Tyrese Haliburton: Out for the season (torn Achilles).
- T.J. McConnell: Rehab from a hamstring injury (ruled out for at least the first 10 games).
- Andrew Nembhard: Sore left shoulder (left season opener, has not returned).
- Bennedict Mathurin: Sprained big toe on his right foot (suffered on first road trip).
- Obi Toppin: Injured right hamstring (suffered on first road trip).
- Taelon Peter (rookie): Injured right groin.
- Johnny Furphy: Sore left foot (has not played).
This extensive list, which includes multiple guards and wings, highlights the desperate situation the Pacers find themselves in, as reported by the Associated Press. McClung is expected to join the team for Wednesday’s game in Dallas, providing immediate relief and a potential spark.
James Wiseman’s Challenging Journey and Departure
To create the necessary roster spot for McClung, the Pacers made the difficult decision to waive center James Wiseman. Wiseman, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has had a challenging start to his NBA career. After being drafted by the Golden State Warriors, he has also spent time with the Detroit Pistons before joining the Pacers.
Throughout his five seasons in the league, Wiseman has averaged 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game, as chronicled by Basketball-Reference. His tenure has been marred by injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon last season that kept him off the court for over a year. He had only just made his return, tallying 4 points, 4 rebounds, and a block in 20 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies in his first game back last Saturday. Unfortunately, his partially guaranteed contract made him an expendable asset given the team’s pressing needs at other positions.
Fan Reaction and Future Implications
The Pacers’ move has generated considerable discussion among the fan community. Many are excited to see what Mac McClung can bring to the team, especially given his G-League success and explosive style of play. Could his high-flying antics and scoring punch provide a much-needed morale boost and offensive spark?
For James Wiseman, the waiver is another setback in a career that has yet to live up to the promise of his draft position. Fans often debate whether he can still develop into an impactful NBA player, or if injuries and inconsistent play will continue to hinder his progress. His next destination will be closely watched by those hoping he can still find his stride.
With their roster in flux due to an unprecedented number of injuries, the Indiana Pacers are hoping McClung can provide valuable minutes and offensive production. This signing is a clear indicator that the team is prioritizing immediate backcourt help and looking for any available talent to navigate this challenging period, making the most of a difficult situation to keep their season from completely derailing.
