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Golden State Warriors part ways with potential hidden gem

By Tony Pesta

SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Mac McClung #55 of the Golden State Warriors handle the ball during the NBA Japan Games between the Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Mac McClung #55 of the Golden State Warriors handle the ball during the NBA Japan Games between the Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage) /
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The Golden State Warriors have chosen to move on from viral, high-flying phenom Mac McClung after a failed stint in training camp and preseason.

McClung was released as the Dubs intend to sign Ty Jerome and Anthony Lamb to training camp deals.

A potential hidden gem will have to find a new home as the Golden State Warriors have released Mac McClung.

The 23-year-old guard has only played two NBA games, one for the Chicago Bulls and one for the Los Angeles Lakers.

He’s billed as a score-first player with elite athleticism and a flare for exciting dunks.

In the G-League, McClung averaged 21.6 points on efficient shooting splits. He connected on over 37% of his 3-point attempts and 46% of his field goals overall.

McClung scored 9 points in his preseason debut but it wasn’t enough for the Warriors to feel convinced he can help them this year.

His limitations are glaring. He’s an undersized guard whose skillset has not translated to the NBA level. McClung may be a dazzling scorer, at times, but the Warriors do not need another scorer on the roster.

The path forward for McClung would have been fulfilling the role of the energy guy. Similar to Gary Payton, a former success story with the Dubs, McClung needed to prove he could be a hustler who would grit-and-grind his way into the rotation.

It appears none of this happened in his brief time with the Dubs as they’ve already chosen to move on.

In McClung’s place, the Warriors add Ty Jerome, a 6’5″ shooting guard who previously shot 42.2% from the 3-point line in his sophomore season with Oklahoma City. His third season was much less efficient, falling below 30%.

Also on the roster is Anthony Lamb, a 24-year-old forward who was only played two NBA games.

The Warriors know all too well how the final man on a roster can make a huge difference down the stretch of a season. Hopefully, Lamb or Jerome emerge as valuable pieces.

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