3 Projected Landing Spots for Jared McCain in 2024 NBA Draft
By Joe Summers
The 2024 NBA Draft is later this month and former Duke sharpshooter Jared McCain is expected to be selected in the first round. He emerged as a star for the Blue Devils and projects as one of the best shooters in the draft.
Given the importance of perimeter shooting at the NBA level, McCain appears to have many suitors with projections ranging from the mid-20s to the lottery. He averaged 21.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 points in the NCAA Tournament while shooting 50% from beyond the arc on eight attempts per game, solidifying his first-round status in the process.
Considered to be a relatively weak draft class, McCain's shooting and relative young age make him a solid bet for NBA franchises. Let's have a look at three projected fits for the Duke standout as we inch closer to the big night.
3 Projected Landing Spots for Jared McCain
1. Miami Heat - Pick No. 15
After finding a steal with Jaime Jaquez Jr. in last year's draft thanks in large part to his NBA-ready skills, the Miami Heat could pull off a similar heist with McCain at No. 15 overall.
David Cobb of CBS Sports writes, "McCain is a relentless worker who can play either guard spot, and he rebounds well for his size. McCain's defense isn't yet a strength, but his offensive upside makes up for it. He hit 16 of 32 attempts from beyond the arc in Duke's four NCAA Tournament games, and his personality seems like a natural fit with the Heat culture."
The more I think about…the more I believe that Jared McCain is the PERFECT pick for Miami at 15.
— Nic Rohloff (@nic_rohloff) May 30, 2024
Not sure if he will fall out of the lottery
Would you want McCain on the Heat? pic.twitter.com/FG8Wp4kFeu
The Heat face a complicated offseason after flaming out early in the 2024 postseason. Miami has to make a decision on Jimmy Butler's future while trying to maintain a competitive window with an aging roster. They ranked 14th in three-point shooting (36.8%) this season, so McCain's flamethrowing touch would be a logical fit.
Miami doesn't necessarily have the patience to take a high-upside prospect that'll take time to develop. Instead, the organization needs someone who can contribute quickly with skills that translate. That fits McCain, whose shooting would immediately help the Heat's backcourt.
What the team ultimately decides to do with Butler will determine who they draft, but McCain is someone the franchise will certainly consider.