URGENT UPDATE: The Indiana Pacers have officially waived guard Mac McClung and signed veteran Monte Morris to fill his role, according to sources close to the team. This decision comes as the Pacers face a significant injury crisis, with their current record standing at 1-7 following a tough loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
McClung, the reigning three-time NBA slam-dunk contest champion, joined the Pacers just last week on a two-year deal. In his brief tenure, he averaged 6.3 points across 11.3 minutes in three games. However, his contract’s second year was not guaranteed, leading to his release today, which will incur a salary cap hit of $164,060 this season, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
The Pacers are urgently seeking stability after enduring a wave of injuries that has left them with a depleted roster. Key players on the sidelines include Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the season due to a torn Achilles, and Obi Toppin, who will be absent until at least February with a stress fracture in his foot. Other sidelined players include T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard, leaving Indiana with a dire need for experienced players like Morris.
Morris, now 30 years old, brings eight years of NBA experience to the team. Last season, he played in 45 games with the Phoenix Suns, averaging 5.2 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds while shooting at 42.6%. His addition is expected to provide the Pacers with much-needed depth and leadership as they navigate this challenging period.
As the Pacers attempt to turn their season around, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Morris integrates into the lineup and how the team responds to the ongoing injury challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.
