The Oklahoma City Thunder made a quietly savvy move recently, sending some draft capital to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for rookie guard Jared McCain. It’s not the kind of blockbuster that shakes up the league overnight, but it’s the kind of addition that fits the Thunder’s long-term vision - and helps right now, too.
McCain brings something OKC has been searching for: reliable perimeter shooting. He’s not a volume scorer yet, but he’s a knockdown threat who can stretch the floor, play within the flow of the offense, and occasionally create his own look when things break down. For a Thunder team that’s already built around pace, spacing, and smart decision-making, McCain is a clean fit.
He’s also already finding his way into the team dynamic - literally. In a lighthearted moment caught on social media, McCain had a bit of trouble getting into the Thunder’s facility and ended up calling on none other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for backup.
It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes about the culture in OKC. When your MVP is helping the new guy get through the front door, that’s chemistry in action.
Speaking of Shai, the Thunder are still managing without him as he recovers from an abdominal strain that will keep him sidelined through the All-Star break. But even in his absence, OKC is finding ways to grind out wins - like Monday night’s narrow road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
With Gilgeous-Alexander out, it was Jalen Williams who stepped up in a big way. The second-year wing looked every bit like the breakout player we saw in 2025, especially in the fourth quarter.
ESPN on TikTok: "Shai had to help Jared McCain get into the Thunder's building." pic.twitter.com/TRpe4s2bb1
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) February 10, 2026
The Lakers tried to throw different defenders at him, but Williams made them pay - getting downhill, finishing at the rim, and punishing switches with a smooth midrange game. It was a reminder of just how dangerous he can be when healthy and aggressive.
As for McCain, he hasn’t had his signature moment in a Thunder uniform just yet, but don’t let the quiet box scores fool you. His shooting gravity alone is already helping OKC’s offense function more smoothly, and it’s only a matter of time before he strings together a few big nights. He’s the kind of player who can heat up quickly - and in a playoff race that’s bound to tighten after the break, that kind of spark could be invaluable.
The Thunder wrap up their pre-All-Star schedule on Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns. It’s another tough road test, but with guys like Williams stepping up and McCain settling in, Oklahoma City is showing they’ve got more than one way to win - even without their MVP.