Sixers guard Jared McCain
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
Sixers guard Jared McCain
Just a few weeks removed from the NBA trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t looking great when it comes to the trade front.
Leading up to the deadline, the Sixers made the shocking decision to trade the second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The fan base was frustrated, considering how McCain looked pre-injury as a rookie in 2024-2025.
As the trade ages so far, it doesn’t look great for the 76ers. McCain has earned a rotation spot for an undermanned Thunder team, and he just might keep his minutes when the team gets healthy again.
What Does Nick Nurse Think About Jared McCain?
Jared McCain Philadelphia 76ers
GettyFormer Sixers guard Jared McCain is bouncing back in his situation with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse admitted that he’s watched some of McCain’s minutes as a member of the Thunder.
As expected, he hasn’t had a ton of time checking out his former player.
“I’ve watched him very little,” Nurse told reporters.
“I’ve seen just a bit, you know, five or 10 minutes of flipping channels. Listen, he looks good. I’m happy for him. That’s all I can say. I really like the kid, no question about it. I got to take care of our own guys, though. So, I spend more than five or 10 minutes just coaching the guys we got.”
Following a February 27 matchup between the Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, McCain wrapped up his ninth outing with the Thunder.
In the matchup, McCain checked in for 19 minutes off the bench. He shot 6-8 from the field, knocking down a couple of threes to score 14 points. He had an off-the-bench impact for the Western Conference’s top team in a high-stakes overtime thriller.
It’s still too early to declare the Sixers the losers in the deal, but the early returns suggest that Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia front office might’ve played the wrong hand.
StatMuse
Jared McCain off the bench:
14 PTS 6-8 FG 2-3 3P
Shooting 44+ 3P% as a Thunder.
When McCain was traded, the Sixers made the move with a follow-up acquisition in mind. The former first-rounder was dealt for draft assets. A first-rounder from the Houston Rockets was included. They still hold the picks after the deadline.
At the time of the trade, McCain was struggling for the Sixers. In 37 games, he averaged just 6.6 points while shooting 38% from the field. All but one of his games included a role off the bench.
Compared to his rookie effort, McCain struggled mightily. The Sixers were convinced they were selling McCain for a near-peak price. Since he joined the Thunder, his stock has spiked.
In nine games, McCain has seen the court for an average of 19.1 minutes per game. He is shooting threes at a 45% clip, taking 4.1 attempts per game. From the field, McCain is averaging 48%, to score 11.9 points per game. Playing in OKC’s system, the veteran guard is starting to look like his rookie version once again.
As expected, McCain’s emergence in Oklahoma has called for consistent criticism aimed at Philly’s coaching staff and front office. Nurse might not be paying attention for obvious reasons, but the heat from the outsiders will surely continue to get turned up if the new Thunder guard continues to thrive in his current situation.