By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Mac McClung took the NBA by storm, after winning the dunk contest, and also after saying last summer no to Fenerbahce and to a million-dollar contract.
McClung had the offer to sign with the Turkish EuroLeague powerhouse, as he revealed to “The Athletic” but he decided to stay in the G-League and chase his NBA dream.
It was not an easy choice as the “Athletic” explains: “From a financial standpoint, it’s typically a no-brainer. Top European clubs offer Americans significant money to play overseas, often seven-figure salaries. If money was the only consideration, the decision would not be difficult.
But for many players, money isn’t the main objective. When it comes to career advancement, the G League is typically the better option. If a player goes to Europe, there are typically no NBA opt-outs during the season. European teams are not concerned with player development as much as winning trophies”.
McClung was really considering Fenerbahce’s offer, but on the other hand, he believed that the G-League is an easier path to the NBA.
His former teammate and close friend Zac Ervin convinced him to stay in the US and bet on himself.
“I still believe going to a Fenerbahce also can propel your career back here in the NBA. So I’m not taking that out of the picture at all,” McClung said to “The Athletic”.
“When you have multiple million-dollar offers, you’re like, ‘That could change my life and my family’s life forever.’ So I wanted to take that into consideration. But (Ervin) called me and was like, ‘Mac, you’re all or nothing, man.’ ”
It was a huge financial bet which ultimately McClung won thanks to his amazing dunk abilities.