If you’ve never met him before, it’s not easy to identify Indiana Pacers assistant coach David McClure at practice. Just 32 years of age, he still possesses the agility and athleticism that propelled him to great success in both high school and college, and he blends right in with the very players he now coaches in the NBA. As I watched him work with a player after practice on his perimeter shooting, he looked as if he could still be playing the game of basketball professionally. His demeanor is pleasant, yet business like, and in discussing his career as a player and a coach, it became readily apparent that he is clearly suited to someday become a head coach in the NBA.
His pedigree, you ask? Stellar, to say the least. After a brilliant high school career at Trinity Catholic High School in Connecticut which saw him garner multiple state championships and individual accolades, he was recruited to play at Duke University where he distinguished himself quite nicely during a four-year run under the legendary Mike Krzyzewski. After a year in the NBA G League, he took his talents abroad to Lithuania where he played four years and embraced the country as his own, as opposed to many players who simply play and return after the season ends.
However, the rigors of basketball were not kind to his knees, and after two surgeries, McClure looked to the next chapter of his basketball life and found a phenomenal opportunity in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs as a player development coach, where he would quickly distinguish himself again under the watchful eye of the legendary Gregg Popovich. When the Pacers decided to incorporate a player development staff, McClure’s experience quickly caught their collective eye.
“I’ve been truly fortunate to both play and work for two of the greatest basketball minds in the history of the game,” stated McClure as he finished his individual workouts with players after practice. “Both Coach Krzyzewski and Coach Popovich taught me the importance of being accountable and to maintain a sense of professionalism.”
Those qualities have not escaped the eye of Pacers head coach Nate McMillan, who sings the praises of what McClure has brought to the table since he arrived.
“David brings great energy to our staff, and has captured the respect of those he works with,” stated McMillian. “He has been a great addition to our organization.”
As I finished my conversation with McClure, it was easy to see why he would impress any basketball team, as he’s polite, articulate and extremely intelligent in a manner that easily transcends beyond the game of basketball. Clearly grounded and thankful for what has been bestowed upon him, it’s obvious his future is glaringly bright, and he does not take anything for granted.
“I’ve clearly been blessed with the opportunities the game of basketball have provided me,” added McClure as we concluded, and he departed to watch film and prepare for an upcoming game.
“I can relate to young players in this league and hopefully help them improve personally and professionally.”
Something tells me the Pacers clearly recognize those qualities as well, and will continue to look at McClure as an essential part of their plans for the future.
Overtime: The NBA scheduling gurus were not kind to Indiana in March, as the Pacers have a rather brutal stretch of games upcoming, including some tough road contests. When you combine that with the loss of Victor Oladipo and some nagging injuries to other players, it will be a tall task to hold on to a top four seed in the Eastern Conference. The upcoming slate includes a home and away pair with Oklahoma City and their old friend Paul George who has played phenomenally this year.
The legendary Bobby “Slick” Leonard recently returned to the Pacers radio broadcast team after a lengthy absence attributed to an orthopedic injury. You can hear Leonard alongside Mark Boyle (the best play-by-play guy in the business) on 107.5 FM or 1070 AM each time the Blue and Gold lace ‘em up. Welcome back Slick.
Danny Bridges, who thinks David McClure will one day be a successful head coach in the NBA, can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
Indiana Pacers assistant coach David McClure
