The Philadelphia 76ers were seen as the team most likely to trade in the first round in the 2024 NBA Draft, but the team's front office decided to hold on to the pick and make a call on Duke freshman forward Jared McCain.
Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey acknowledged that there were attractive offers for the 16th overall pick, but McCain was too prominent a presence to move forward without acquiring him.
The standout guard finds himself in a tricky situation with the Sixers on a championship-or-bust timeline, after the Sixers drafted a college freshman in the first round after just two games in his rookie season.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey was the top pick in the draft before Jaden Springer was selected. Maxey's rookie season didn't guarantee he would be a future All-Star worthy of a max contract, but it did pave the way for rookie guards like McCain.
The former Duke University star sees great benefits in teaming up with Maxey, but is also really looking forward to joining forces with veteran Kyle Lowry.
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“Kyle Lowry has been in the league almost as long as I've been alive,” McCain said. Forbes“Knowing the details of the game and how to stay in this league, find opportunities on the court and go into the game with an open mind and do whatever I can to help my team win.”
A graduate of Duke University, McCain started all 36 games as a freshman and averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game while shooting 46 percent from the field and 41 percent from deep.
McCain called his situation with the Sixers “great,” as he will team up with a four-year All-Star and a six-time All-Star who won an NBA championship in 2019.
While it's unlikely McCain will get enough playing time to make a big impact with the Sixers in Year 1, he'll surely learn a lot of valuable lessons by teaming up with two high-profile guards with impressive track records.
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