Thankful Mack out to seize chance with Sixers

Share

There was a new face in the gym when the curtain was raised on the Sixers practice Thursday afternoon.
Shelvin Mack, a 6-foot-3 point guard who most recently played in the NBAs Developmental League, was signed to a 10-day contract. The move coincided with the expiration of Maalik Wayns 10-day contract.
We signed Maalik from Day One with the idea he would be our third point guard, Sixers head coach Doug Collins said. So it wasnt that Maalik didnt do what he was supposed to do, but rather we put him in a role he wasnt quite ready to do. We want to have Evan (Turner) handle the ball some still with that second unit, but we need another guy that can play pick-and-roll because the essence of most offenses is pick-and-roll whether it is middle, angle or side whatever. We need a guy who can make a play.
We like his tenacity, Collins said of Mack. He is 6-3 but he has a wing span of a guy 6-9, so he has long arms. I loved him when he played in college.
Mack played his college basketball at Butler University before being drafted 34th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards. He spent his rookie year with the Wizards but was cut before the start of this season. The Wizards later signed Mack to a 10-day contract.
The phone call came from a team that I was not too familiar with. It came out of the blue, Mack said of the Sixers. I was showcased in the D-League, played two games in Maine and then I got a late phone call Saturday night. But it is great. I am thankful for the opportunity. I would rather be here than being in Maine.
I think I have been playing really well. I am leading the D-League in scoring (21.0 points per game) and assists (7.4 per game), then I went with the Wizards for a few games and played pretty well there. I am just trying to stay on this road, continuing to get better every day and trying to stay consistent.
What has been consistently obvious with the Sixers is that they lean heavily on Jrue Holiday at both ends of the floor. Holiday has shown the ability to carry the load with his team-leading 19.0 points and 8.8 assists per game. However, the amount of responsibility has to be physically taking a toll on the point guard.
Holiday continues to stir up All-Star worthy conversation. Meanwhile, Mack isnt sure he will see game action but he will be ready if they call his number.
I just want to take advantage of the 10 days, Mack said. There are a lot of guys in the D-League who dont get the opportunity for the 10-day call-up. I have it so I just want to take advantage of that and play hard.
You have to have a positive attitude. Unfortunately, I got cut by the Wizards, so I had to go to the D-League and prove myself and work hard, stay confident in myself and think positive. If you do things the right way, people are going to notice and you will have another opportunity.
E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com.

Contact Us