The Philadelphia 76ers are set to welcome back a familiar face on Monday as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jared McCain, who was the Sixers' No. 16 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, will be returning to the court where he first made his mark.
McCain quickly proved his worth as a rookie, posting impressive averages of 15.3 points and 2.6 assists while shooting a solid 38.3% from beyond the arc during the 2024-25 season. Unfortunately, his promising start was interrupted by surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee, followed by a UCL tear in his right thumb before the 2025-26 season, sidelining him once more.
His second season in Philadelphia was a rollercoaster. Limited to 37 games, McCain averaged 6.6 points off the bench, struggling to find consistency in his shooting as he battled back from injury. His journey included stints in the G League and stretches where he didn't see the floor.
However, just before the trade deadline, McCain hit his stride with a remarkable 5-game stretch, shooting an eye-popping 62.5% from deep. Despite this resurgence, the Sixers traded him to the Thunder for four draft picks. Since joining Oklahoma City, McCain has been averaging 12.3 points and an impressive 44% from three-point range over 19 games.
VJ Edgecombe, reflecting on McCain's return, shared, "It’s gonna be great. I know he's coming out to hoop.
We're doing the same. That’s our dog.
Everyone still loves Jared. Pretty sure it's vice versa.
So, yeah. That's our dog.
I'm just happy to see him hoopin' and playing well."
As the Sixers aim for a victory over the Thunder, the question remains whether the trade will ultimately benefit Philadelphia. For now, both teams are focused on the game ahead, with McCain's return adding an intriguing storyline to the matchup.