For weeks leading up to Wednesday night’s NBA Draft, it was widely anticipated that the Philadelphia 76ers would select Duke guard Jared McCain with the 16th overall pick. True to expectation, the Sixers officially made McCain their first-round choice on Wednesday evening.
McCain, 20, had an impressive collegiate season at Duke, averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His standout skill is his exceptional three-point shooting, making 41.4% of his attempts from beyond the arc on nearly six shots per game. This proficiency aligns well with the Sixers’ need for perimeter shooting alongside stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
“I’ve dedicated myself to shooting throughout my career,” McCain commented during his media session shortly after being drafted. “It’s always been a passion of mine.”
While McCain’s shooting prowess is a significant asset, there are concerns about his ability to contribute beyond scoring. Developing defensive skills and versatility will be crucial for him to maximize his impact in the NBA.
“I’ve been focusing on my ball-handling, pick-and-roll reads, and improving defensively,” McCain noted. “I know I need to step up defensively, and that’s my biggest challenge.”
Despite his defensive challenges, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey expressed confidence in McCain’s potential growth, highlighting his progress at Duke and the team’s belief in his overall contribution.
Morey revealed that McCain ranked highly on the Sixers’ draft board due to his perceived NBA readiness and considerable upside. The team passed up trade opportunities to secure McCain at No. 16, underscoring their confidence in his fit and future with the organization.
McCain acknowledged minimal contact with the Sixers before draft night, a strategic move by the team to keep their intentions discreet. Morey humorously mentioned his discomfort with McCain’s frequent projections to the Sixers in mock drafts leading up to the event.
With his selection now official, McCain’s immediate role will be to provide reliable three-point shooting and support for Philadelphia’s stars. Long-term, he aims to enhance his game holistically and become a multi-faceted contributor.
“We have high hopes for Jared here,” Morey affirmed. “He has the potential to be a cornerstone of this franchise for years to come.”
