Jared McCain
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Jared McCain newly acquired guard by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The NBA has been paying close attention to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s trade deadline pickup, Jared McCain.
After the Thunder acquired the former first-rounder out of Duke from the Philadelphia 76ers, there was an assumption he could end up being a steal of an acquisition.
So far, the Thunder are shaping up to have one of the top pickups in McCain. Tuesday’s action against the Chicago Bulls was just another example.
NBA Fans React To Jared McCain’s Performance In Thunder-Bulls
via @UnderDogNBA: Jared McCain in win vs. Bulls: 20 PTS, 8-15 FG, 4-9 3PT. Third 20-point game with OKC. Second-most points on the Thunder over last 10 games.
Underdog NBA
Jared McCain in win vs. Bulls:
20 PTS 8-15 FG 4-9 3PT
Third 20-point game with OKC.
Second-most points on the Thunder over last 10 games.
@Sharpsportsplug: The grass was greener on the other side
@InvestWithDylan: Yeah they fleeced Philly
@bigbandzmylick: Can’t believe they let okc get him
@DortNowitzki: Sixers are currently down by… 50
The Sixers cut ties with the 22-year-old McCain during his second NBA season.
Last year, Philadelphia spent its first-round pick (selection 16) on McCain. He was a Duke freshman who averaged 14.3 points and 5.0 rebounds.
Although McCain landed in what was expected to be a contending situation with the Sixers, the then-rookie had plans to make an immediate impact on the team. Injuries allowed him to get early playing time, and McCain thrived.
Through 23 games, McCain averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He shot 38% from beyond the arc.
McCain went down with a season-ending injury. At the time, he was the NBA’s Rookie of the Year favorite. Although McCain was primed for a big second season with the Sixers, an injury contributed to a slow start.
Through 37 games, the Sixers saw McCain average 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. By the time he was getting his groove back, the Sixers traded him to the Thunder for draft assets.
The Sixers hoped to use the picks to acquire another win-now player, but nothing materialized. Since then, the Sixers’ front office has taken a lot of heat from NBA fans. It’s only getting worse for Philadelphia as McCain thrives.
@StephMyGoat_30: He’s just starting to find his groove. Jared WILL be a star
@diamondhands696: Good thing the Sixers sold high
@chalupabatmann2: Sixers poverty franchise
@Herald41039718: Alright I give in sixers lost the trade
Jared McCain’s Hot Start In OKC
OKC Thunder guard Jared McCain
Jared McCain continues to thrive since the Sixers traded him to OKC.
Leading up to Tuesday night’s action, the Oklahoma City Thunder landed a 10-game sample size from McCain.
In each game, the second-year guard came off the bench. He averages 19.4 minutes per game with the Thunder so far.
After shooting 38% from the field with the Sixers, McCain’s shooting has climbed to 47% in Oklahoma City. From beyond the arc, he’s shooting at a 47% clip, taking 4.2 threes per game. McCain is producing 11.8 points per game, along with 2.9 rebounds.
Following a 116-108 win over the Bulls, the Thunder improved to 48-15 on the year. They remain the Western Conference’s No. 1 team, holding a 3.5-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Thunder will be back on the court on Wednesday night for a March 4 battle against the New York Knicks. McCain will get a chance to continue his hot streak with the Thunder.