The Indiana Pacers have made the move official, waiving guard Mac McClung. They added veteran Monte Morris to shore up their backcourt rotation as injuries continue to plague the team’s hopes for a breakout year. Only a week ago, McClung signed a two-year deal with the Pacers. This contract features the second year being non-guaranteed.
McClung, who gained fame with his electrifying dunks, is the recent three-time NBA slam dunk contest champion. In McClung’s short time with the Pacers, he averaged 6.3 points in 11.3 minutes over three games. After three years, the coaching staff faced the difficult decision to let him go. Second, they have to finally address the elephant in the room of their chronic injury issues.
Monte Morris, a 30-year-old eight-year NBA veteran, joins the Pacers after playing 45 games for the Phoenix Suns during the 2024-25 season. In his short stint with the Suns, Morris averaged 5.2 points, 1.6 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game. He proved he could shoot with a 42.6% FG%. Bringing on Morris is no small strategic gesture. It adds some much-needed depth and experience to a roster that has dealt with a ton of injury woes.
The Pacers are sailing through stormy seas with the majority of their core’s crew missing and a few without flotation devices. We’re told Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire season due to a torn Achilles. In the meantime, Obi Toppin is out with a stress fracture in his foot and won’t be back until at least February. These injuries have severely depleted the team’s rotation, leaving management looking for an instant impact.
Morris’s experience and skill set are expected to contribute to the Pacers’ efforts to stabilize their lineup and improve their competitive edge during this difficult stretch. His ability to facilitate and support teammates may prove invaluable as the team seeks to regroup and continue their season.
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