UPDATE: The Indiana Pacers have just announced the waiver of guard Mac McClung and the signing of veteran Monte Morris, as the team grapples with a significant injury crisis. This move, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania, comes in the wake of a dismal start to the season, leaving the Pacers with a record of 1-7.
In just three games with the Pacers, McClung, a celebrated three-time NBA slam-dunk contest champion, averaged 6.3 points in 11.3 minutes per game. His two-year contract, signed just last week, will result in a $164,060 salary cap hit for Indiana, though the second year was not guaranteed.
The decision to bring in Morris, a seasoned 30-year-old guard with eight years of NBA experience, aims to bolster a roster severely impacted by injuries. The Pacers are currently missing key players, including Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the season due to a torn Achilles, and Obi Toppin, sidelined until at least February with a stress fracture in his foot.
The injury list has significantly hampered the Pacers’ rotation, which contributed to their recent 112-103 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Alongside Haliburton and Toppin, they are also missing T.J. McConnell (hamstring strain), Bennedict Mathurin (week-to-week with a toe injury), and Andrew Nembhard (shoulder injury), among others.
Morris brings valuable experience, having played 45 games for the Phoenix Suns last season, where he averaged 5.2 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds on 42.6% shooting. His addition comes at a critical time for the Pacers, who are desperate for stability on the court.
As the team navigates these challenges, fans are eager to see how Morris will contribute to a struggling lineup. The Pacers will be looking for immediate improvement in their upcoming games, with hopes that Morris can help turn the season around.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
