NEW YORK – South Bay Lakers guard Mac McClung has been named the 2021-22 Kia NBA G League Rookie of the Year, the NBA G League announced today.  The award, voted on by the league’s head coaches and general managers, recognizes the first-year professional who most significantly contributed to his team’s success during the regular season.

McClung (6-2, 185, Texas Tech) averaged 21.7 points, 7.6 assists, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 27 regular-season games.  He ranked fifth in the NBA G League in assists and ninth in free throw percentage (88.5).

On Feb. 3, McClung recorded 29 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds against the Salt Lake City Stars to become the first South Bay player to record a triple-double since 2018.  He also scored a career-high 37 points against the Santa Cruz Warriors on Feb. 6.

McClung is South Bay’s first NBA G League Rookie of the Year honoree.  Behind the 23-year-old McClung, the Lakers went 21-11 and secured the No. 3 seed in the NBA G League Playoffs presented by Google Pixel.

McClung, who was not selected in the 2021 NBA Draft, played with the Los Angeles Lakers at the 2021 NBA Summer League.  He was one of six South Bay players to earn a GATORADE Call-Up this season, signing two 10-day contracts with the Chicago Bulls.  McClung appeared in one game with the Bulls.  On April 9, McClung earned his third GATORADE Call-Up of the season, signing a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Long Island Nets guard Craig Randall II and Texas Legends guard Carlik Jones finished second and third, respectively, in the voting for the 2021-22 Kia NBA G League Rookie of the Year Award.

Kia NBA G League Rookie of the Year Award Winners
2021-22: Mac McClung, South Bay Lakers
2020-21: Paul Reed, Delaware Blue Coats
2019-20: Tremont Waters, Maine Red Claws
2018-19: Angel Delgado, Aqua Caliente Clippers
2017-18: Antonio Blakeney, Windy City Bulls
2016-17: Abdel Nader, Maine Red Claws
2015-16: Quinn Cook, Canton Charge
2014-15: Tim Frazier, Maine Red Claws
2013-14: Robert Covington, Rio Grande Valley Vipers
2012-13: Tony Mitchell, Fort Wayne Mad Ants
2011-12: Edwin Ubiles, Dakota Wizards
2010-11: DeShawn Sims, Maine Red Claws
2009-10: Alonzo Gee, Austin Toros
2008-09: Othyus Jeffers, Iowa Energy
2007-08: Blake Ahearn, Dakota Wizards
2006-07: Louis Amundson, Colorado 14ers
2005-06: Will Bynum, Roanoke Dazzle
2004-05: James Thomas, Roanoke Dazzle
2003-04: Desmond Penigar, Asheville Altitude
2002-03: Devin Brown, Fayetteville Patriots
2001-02: Fred House, Charleston Lowgators

About the NBA G League
The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, trainer and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory.  Featuring 29 teams, 28 with direct affiliations to NBA franchises for 2021-22, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.  41 percent of all NBA players at the start of the 2021-22 season boasted NBA G League experience.  In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.

About Kia America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.

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