Jared McCain’s Sophomore Slump: What’s Next for the 76ers’ Young Guard?
Jared McCain’s rookie season in Philadelphia was electric-full of promise, personality, and pure shooting. He brought energy to a Sixers team that desperately needed it, especially during a stretch when injuries forced the rotation into chaos. McCain didn’t just survive that moment-he thrived, showcasing a smooth shooting stroke from deep, a feel for the game beyond his years, and a knack for creating space both on and off the ball.
But fast forward to now, and things have changed. After a torn meniscus in his left knee cut his first season short, McCain’s sophomore campaign hasn’t gone the way anyone in Philly hoped. Another injury-a UCL tear in his right thumb-delayed his return, and since coming back, the rhythm that once defined his game has been hard to find.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about talent. McCain has shown he belongs in the league. But in the NBA, timing and confidence are everything, and right now, both seem to be working against him.
From Breakout to Breakdown
McCain earned his way into the starting lineup last season-not because of hype, but because his play demanded it. He was averaging 15.3 points and 2.6 assists per game while shooting a strong 46% from the field before injuries derailed his rise. His ability to stretch the floor and make smart reads made him a perfect fit alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
But since returning from the thumb injury, the numbers have dipped. The shooting stroke that once looked automatic now feels hesitant. His season field goal percentage has dropped to around 35%, and that drop-off has been noticeable in games where the Sixers need an offensive spark-especially when Maxey isn’t firing on all cylinders.
Take Philadelphia’s recent 114-106 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Maxey had an off night, which happens even to the best.
But what stood out wasn’t Maxey’s struggles-it was the lack of scoring support behind him. Embiid did his part, pouring in 27 points, but beyond that, the Sixers struggled to find consistent offense.
McCain finished with just 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting, though he did grab nine rebounds, showing his hustle hasn’t gone anywhere.
The issue is that McCain’s shot isn’t falling, and when your primary value is floor spacing and offensive creation, that’s a problem. Whether it’s lingering effects from the thumb injury or a dip in confidence-or more likely, a combination of both-McCain hasn’t looked like the same player who turned heads as a rookie.
A Crossroads for Philly
This puts the Sixers in a tricky spot. McCain is still just 21 years old, and the flashes of high-level play are recent enough that no one is writing him off.
But Philadelphia is in win-now mode. With Embiid in his prime and Maxey taking big steps forward, the front office has to consider every angle when it comes to improving the roster.
That includes exploring potential trades.
McCain still holds value around the league. Young guards with a proven shooting touch and high basketball IQ don’t grow on trees, and teams looking to build for the future would likely be interested in taking a flier. For Daryl Morey, that means McCain could be part of a package to bring in a more established contributor-someone who can help right away.
Of course, that’s not the outcome anyone in Philly is rooting for. Fans want to see McCain succeed in a Sixers uniform. They want the confident shooter who lit up opposing defenses last year, the guy who played with joy and swagger, back on the floor and back in rhythm.
But the NBA is a results-driven league. And as much as McCain’s story is still being written, the Sixers may not be able to wait for the next chapter to unfold on its own timeline.
The Path Forward
The good news? McCain is healthy.
That’s the first step. The next is regaining his confidence and rediscovering the shooting form that made him such a weapon.
If he can do that, there’s still a path for him to become a key piece in Philadelphia’s rotation.
But the clock is ticking-not on his career, but on the Sixers’ championship window. And that means McCain’s future in Philly could come down to how quickly he can turn things around.
The talent is there. The question now is whether the Sixers believe the turnaround is coming soon enough-or whether they’ll decide to cash in on his potential while it still holds weight in the trade market.
One thing’s for sure: Jared McCain’s next few weeks could go a long way in determining not just his role in Philadelphia, but the direction the Sixers take as they gear up for the playoff push.