The Oklahoma City Thunder made waves at the trade deadline, adding a significant piece to their roster in Jared McCain. Already a favorite in the championship conversation, the Thunder tapped into their rich asset pool to bring in McCain, and it's paying dividends. His performance against the Pistons on Wednesday night was a testament to his impact.
McCain's potential was evident, even when he was buried in the 76ers' depth chart. The real surprise was the low cost the Thunder paid to get him-just a few draft picks, including Houston’s first-rounder and three second-rounders. None of these were particularly high, and it begs the question: why didn't the Pistons make a similar move for the talented 22-year-old shooter?
With several starters sidelined, the Thunder leaned on McCain for offensive firepower, and he delivered 20 points off the bench. His ability to move without the ball creates opportunities not just for himself but also for his teammates by drawing defensive attention and opening up lanes.
McCain isn’t just a shooter; he’s a dynamic offensive weapon. His shooting threat allows him to attack the rim effectively, and he’s shown the ability to shoot off the dribble and facilitate the offense when needed. A player like McCain could have been an excellent complement to Cade Cunningham, especially in high-stakes playoff scenarios.
Instead, the Pistons opted for a financial maneuver, trading Jaden Ivey and acquiring Kevin Huerter. While Huerter has been known for his sharpshooting, he’s having a tough season and isn’t contributing much in Detroit. Even at his peak, Huerter lacks the versatility McCain offers.
McCain was a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year before an injury cut his season short. His track record makes him an ideal target for teams seeking shooting prowess-a category the Pistons find themselves in.
Although Detroit has managed success despite shooting struggles, this deficiency could be a significant hurdle against top-tier teams. In the playoffs, a versatile player like McCain could be the difference-maker in a tight series.
The Pistons have a genuine shot at a deep playoff run, even a championship, given the current state of the Eastern Conference. Rather than playing it safe, a bold move for someone like Jared McCain could have been the strategic play to push them over the edge.