Kicking off a crucial offseason, Philadelphia stayed pat in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, using the 16th pick on Duke sharpshooter Jared McCain. The combo guard at Duke became known for his 40% three-point percentage, the TikToks he posts, his painted fingernails, and the shared journey he’s gone on with his brother.
Only minutes after his selection, McCain spoke to Sixers reporters for the first time. Spoiler alert: he mentioned cheesesteaks in his first answer.
McCain, who comes with a reputation of being a hard worker, thinks coming to Philadelphia should be an easy transition after playing off a big man during his freshman year at Duke.
“Obviously playing through [Kyle Filipowski], I learned to create space for him and just be able to let him do his work and find gaps and find ways to get open,” he said. “So I think it’s a great transition for me.”
Not only does he believe the on-court transition will go well, but he thinks his experience as a Duke Blue Devil and the reputation that comes with that will help his transition as a Philadelphian as well.
“Obviously that comes with a lot of hate and a lot of scrutiny wherever you go,” he said, “but I think that’s preparing for where I’m at, especially with Philly, so I think I’m ready for it.”
He was already asked about his TikToks and fingernails, and isn’t worried about how people will perceive him in a hard-nosed city.
“Yeah, you know I do the social media, the nail painting, I do all that stuff, but basketball is my main focus and this has been my dream since I was 4 or 5 years old,” he said. “So I’m going to do whatever I can just to win and bring a positive attitude and just have fun, man. I’m joyful with life and I try to bring that everywhere I go.”
McCain credits his family for his positive personality. He repeatedly mentioned that whatever hate he may face, he’s going to fight it with positivity.
“It’s gotten me this far, so I won’t stop now,” he said. “And even if there’s a bunch of hate coming my way, I try to be as positive as possible and just continue to work and trust my work.”
He’s essentially seen the draft process as a journey he’s gone on with his brother. Jayce McCain had to stop playing basketball due to blood clots, and went to Duke to become a grad assistant to be at the same school as his brother, Jared.
“It was our dream to get drafted, and so we both did it,” he said.