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Jared McCain Proves Frontrunner Status for Rookie of the Year After Career Night

The former Duke star has a career night for the Sixers in his first NBA start.

By Cem Yolbulan

Nov 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) in action against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Nov 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) in action against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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Ever since former Duke standout Jared McCain was drafted with the 16th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024 NBA Draft, he has taken the league by storm. In what is considered a weak draft class, McCain has been shining brighter than his fellow rookies, emerging as an early season frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year.

The talented guard made his case emphatically on Wednesday night. Drawing his first career start in the absence of Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, the former Blue Devils star had a night to remember.

Jared McCain Has Career Night in First NBA Start

McCain failed to lead his short-handed team to a win against the undefeated Cavaliers, but they put up an admirable fight behind the rookie, eventually losing 114-106. In 38 minutes, McCain put up 34 points, 10 assists, and two steals, on 12/26 from the field and 6/13 from three. This made him the third rookie in NBA history after Jason Kidd and Steph Curry to reach those marks in a game.

The most impressive part of McCain's game was the fact that he was the offensive engine for this Sixers team and looked the part. This wasn't a case of a shooter getting hot on catch-and-shoot threes. He consistently created looks for himself and others, running the pick-and-roll, finding shooters, or creating mid-rangers in isolation.

This was the fourth straight double-digit scoring game for McCain. He is steadily rising on rookie rankings and is currently tied for the best odds to win Rookie of the Year alongside Atlanta's Zaccharie Risacher and Memphis' Zach Edey, per FanDuel Sportsbook.

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