Sixers’ Mac McClung Embraces ‘Dog’ Culture in Philly

Mac McClung is excited to play for the Sixers' fan base.

Earlier this week, the Philadelphia 76ers added Mac McClung to their roster after waiving the two-way rookie Julian Champagnie. Although McClung became of the newest additions to the Sixers’ roster this week, he’s been with the organization in some capacity throughout the entire 2022-2023 season.

Over the offseason, McClung signed an Exhibit-10 deal with the 76ers. That indicated he was on pace to join Philly’s NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.

On a G League deal, McClung became one of the Blue Coats’ most notable players this season. After spending one year bouncing around the NBA and the G League last year, McClung was shocked to see the support for the Sixers’ affiliate in Delaware.

“I think when I first got to Delaware, I was so surprised by the love we would get every game,” McClung told reporters following Friday night’s Rising Stars Game. “Just like people waiting outside the gym and waiting to talk to you after the game that were diehard fans. I was like, ‘Man, that's just the culture of this area.’ I'm super happy to be part of it.”

After a successful 36-game run with the Blue Coats so far, McClung earned himself a two-way deal with the Sixers. Although he has yet to suit up with the 76ers since he signed ahead of the All-Star break, McClung wanted Philly fans to know that he’s all-in on the city’s dog-like culture.

“I'm a competitor. I'm a dog,” McClung said on Friday. “I love this game like more than anything in the world. I come to compete. I come in to win. I know that's what Philly is about. It's just a bunch of dogs. So I'm super happy to be here.”

So far, McClung has represented the Sixers and the Blue Coats well in Salt Lake City. During his first All-Star event on Friday in the Rising Stars Game, McClung led his team by scoring ten points in less than ten minutes. He also had two rebounds, two assists, and one steal while draining 50 percent of his shots and knocking down two threes. 

On Saturday, he’ll represent the Sixers in the Dunk Contest before wrapping up the weekend with a matchup in the G League’s Next Up Game on Sunday. 

It’s unclear what the Sixers’ plans for McClung beyond All-Star weekend are.

With their backcourt healthy, McClung will more than likely remain with the Blue Coats when the NBA returns to action next week. Either way, McClung is excited about his opportunity to compete for Philly as he’s sold on the city’s competitive culture.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.