ORLANDO, FL (WJHL) — When you speak to Gate City native Mac McClung, it’s not a matter of if he’ll get a permanent gig in the NBA, it’s just a matter of when.

McClung will get another shot to make an NBA roster beginning Tuesday when he opens camp with the Orlando Magic. The 2-time defending slam dunk champion and G-league MVP has played a total of 4 NBA games with the Sixers and Bulls.

Despite the accolades, McClung has given up big money overseas to continue chasing his dreams.

“Yes, money is awesome, but I’m not doing this for money,” he said. “This is bigger than me. This is because I genuinely love it and I want this to make an impact and I want to inspire one day. So I know if I were to take that, and I’m not saying I won’t in the future, but I think it wouldn’t be where my heart is at. And I just want to trust my instincts.”

“He’s a good person and as good a competitor as he is a player and he is knocking on the door,” according to President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. “And, you know, he turned down a lot of, you know, interest overseas, like very lucrative offers because he knows he’s close and he’s chasing it. And, you know, we’re just happy that he chose us to chase.”

McClung announced he would wear No. 8, as it was the only number remaining.

Most notably, McClung said he’s sent prayers for those impacted by the catastrophic flooding in the area of his hometown of Gate City.

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