Warriors Explain Why Fan Favorite McClung Had To Go

The Golden State Warriors made a tough decision over the weekend, waiving fan favorite Mac McClung. Head coach Steve Kerr explained the decision to move on from McClung and sign Ty Jerome in his place.

"Letting Mac [McClung] go was tough. I think he's an NBA player." — Kerr pic.twitter.com/GDEj7x14vz

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 4, 2022

"For our roster, we needed more of a pass-first guy. Ty is a very intriguing player because of his size and his ability to see over the top of the defense, and his pick-and-roll play."

Jerome, 6'5", is going into his 4th season in the NBA. He was recently waived by the Houston Rockets, after being acquired as part of the massive 8-player deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He's averaged 7.1 points and 2.4 assists in 112 NBA games.

The 6'2" McClung has been a fan favorite for Warriors fans despite his short tenure with the club. He was an exciting sparkplug off the bench in the second preseason game in Japan, following a nice Summer League showing with the Warriors, averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game and 50% shooting from 3-point range. Not to mention his insane pregame dunk in Tokyo that went viral.

Look at this Mac McClung dunk 👀 pic.twitter.com/aLdi3pKrnX

— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) October 2, 2022

His high-flying antics had won him a huge following previously on YouTube.

"Letting Mac go was tough. I love Mac," reiterated Kerr. "and I think he's an NBA player." 

We'll see if another team gives McClung an opportunity.

Photo: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports