Jared McCain Silences Haters With Stellar NBA Summer League Debut

Now that the 2024 NBA Draft is on the books, the basketball world has turned its attention to the Summer League. Rookies, as well as recent draft picks and young players who are still trying to establish their careers, take part in the Summer League to win a roster spot or playing time. That includes the 16th-overall-pick Jared McCain.

After a stellar freshman season at Duke, McCain climbed up the draft boards to be selected by the Philadelphia 76ers right outside the lottery. His unique personality and popularity online have drawn unfair criticism towards the young guard but McCain silenced the haters with his performance in his first Summer League game.

Jared McCain Shines in NBA Summer League Debut

As part of the Salt Lake City Summer League, the Sixers faced off against the OKC Thunder. In the 102-92 win, McCain put up 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in 27 minutes of action. Despite missing all six of his three-point attempts, the 20-year-old guard looked dynamic with the ball in his hands, attacking the rim, finishing in traffic, and getting to the free-throw line.

This performance caught fans' attention, who noticed similarities between McCain and Tyrese Maxey's game. Maxey was the 21st-overall pick of the Sixers in the 2020 NBA Draft and made his first All-Star appearance this season. He is another undersized guard who is electric with the ball in his hands.

The Sixers made the biggest splash of the offseason by signing Paul George. Maxey, George, and Joel Embiid are as good of a big three as any in the NBA. McCain will have to find a way to fit around these guys to get rotation minutes as a rookie. If he can continue to display the elite shooting touch he showed at Duke, he should be a part of the rotation that also includes Kelly Oubre Jr, Eric Gordon, and Caleb Martin for now.

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