PHILADELPHIA — On January 3, 2025, Jared McCain took the court for Game No. 24 of his NBA career, a pivotal moment he had anticipated since his rookie season was cut short due to injury. McCain, who suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee during a game against the Indiana Pacers on December 13, 2024, had previously played just 23 games before his season ended. While he did not celebrate the occasion extravagantly, the milestone represents a significant personal achievement for the young player.
Reflecting on this achievement, McCain stated, “I think that was one of the top ones, just being able to go past what I did last year. It’s a mini-accomplishment that I can have as a win for myself.” Currently, he plays as the second-unit point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold a record of 20-15. This performance marks a stark contrast to last season’s struggles, where the team started 7-16 on their way to a disappointing 24-58 finish.
Transitioning into his sophomore season has not been without challenges. McCain is aware that his current statistics, including an average of 6.7 points and 1.8 assists per game, reflect a drop from last year’s averages of 15.3 points and 2.6 assists. His shooting percentage has also declined, falling to 34.4 percent overall and 31.9 percent from three-point range, compared to last year’s 38.3 percent. These numbers can be attributed, in part, to the physical limitations stemming from his injuries, including a knee brace and a thumb injury that affected his gameplay.
Despite these challenges, some statistics indicate positive progress. McCain’s rebounding rate has increased from 4.7 to 6.3 per 100 possessions, and he has maintained a relatively stable assist rate at 4.5 per 100 possessions this season. Additionally, he has recorded an increase in steals, averaging 2.2 per 100 possessions.
McCain’s coach, Nick Nurse, has expressed understanding of the young player’s situation, emphasizing that he needs time to adjust after a lengthy absence from competitive play. “He just needs time,” Nurse said, highlighting the importance of patience in McCain’s development.
Recognizing the need for a shift in perspective, McCain remarked, “Last year, we weren’t that good at all, and I was able to have a bigger opportunity in different ways. This year, you’ve got to look at it differently. You have to.” He views his contributions to a winning team as essential, focusing on the process rather than solely on individual statistics.
As McCain navigates the complexities of his current season, he is committed to embracing the learning experience. He acknowledges that while it is difficult not to compare his performance to last year, the dynamics of the team are different. “It’s tough when you obviously want to put up the same numbers or more,” he noted. “But it’s a different team, and you’ve just got to take the small wins as you can.”
In his approach to the game, McCain is attempting to remain aggressive and engaged, even while playing off the ball. He is concentrating on overall contributions, including plus/minus metrics, to gauge his impact on the team. By focusing on these aspects, McCain aims to enhance his effectiveness on the court and assist the 76ers in their pursuit of success.
As he looks ahead, McCain remains optimistic, using milestones like Game No. 24 as motivation to continue improving. “I think you’ve got to take any small win that you can,” he said. “Just be healthy is kind of the main thing.” With the season still unfolding, McCain is determined to build on his experiences and contribute to the ongoing success of the Philadelphia 76ers.
