In a move that left Philadelphia Sixers fans scratching their heads, Daryl Morey sent Jared McCain packing to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the trade deadline. It was a deal that caught many off guard, and the fan base is still grappling with the decision.
Morey tried to rationalize the trade, expressing "confidence" that the Sixers had made a smart move by selling high on McCain, aiming for a brighter future with the picks acquired from the Thunder. However, the optimism hasn't quite reached the fans, and it's easy to see why.
Since the deadline, Philadelphia's bench has been averaging a mere 29 points per game, ranking them near the bottom of the league, just ahead of Houston. Even before the trade, the bench was struggling, with a 30.5 points per game average since McCain's debut in early November, placing them third-worst in the NBA.
McCain's early season in Philly wasn't without its challenges. He averaged 6.6 points while shooting 38.5% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc in limited minutes. With a crowded backcourt, Morey decided to move on from the young guard, who was the No. 16 pick just under two years ago.
In hindsight, holding onto McCain might have been wiser. At 22, his potential was still untapped, and Philadelphia's depth issues have only worsened.
Cam Payne hasn't filled the gap, and Quentin Grimes has been inconsistent, potentially leaving as a free agent this summer. The decision to let McCain go seems even more questionable now.
While Morey can't reverse the trade, McCain is thriving in Oklahoma City, making the Sixers' decision look questionable. His performance has improved significantly, and he's become a reliable three-point shooter. The Thunder, dealing with multiple injuries, have found McCain to be a valuable addition to their already deep bench.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid's return from injury has given the Sixers hope for a playoff push. He looked dominant in his return against the Pacers, scoring 27 points on efficient shooting. But the lack of bench scoring could hinder their postseason ambitions, making McCain's absence even more pronounced.
In the end, McCain has found a better fit with the Thunder, capitalizing on Morey's hasty decision. It's a tough pill for Sixers fans to swallow, knowing that McCain might have been a key piece in their playoff puzzle.