Sixers first-round pick Jared McCain is trying to soak up as much knowledge as he can as he gets ready for his rookie season, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The 16th selection in this year’s draft is studying film and seeking advice from NBA veterans while preparing to carve out a role on a team that’s expected to be among the top contenders in the East.
“Kyle (Lowry) is somebody I watched his college highlights,” McCain said. “Obviously, his NBA highlights, just being a bigger, stockier guard. Tyrese (Maxey) is a younger player that I can learn from. And Joel (Embiid) as an MVP, I can learn just any ins and outs. Paul George, Reggie Jackson, the whole lineup is just people I can learn from. That’s really what I’m most excited for. Even if I don’t play, whatever happens, I’m just here to learn as much as possible so I can take it as far as I can.”
McCain has reached out to a number of current and former NBA point guards to get insight on their approach to the game, Pompey adds. That list includes former Sixers guard Patrick Beverley, who is headed to Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel after finishing last season with Milwaukee.
“It’s funny, he gets a lot of slack for going overseas, not being in the NBA,” McCain said. “But the dude has made over $100 million in the NBA. You can kind of call it what it is. He has done really well in the NBA, and he’s been able to stay on teams. So that’s something that I can do. I just want to learn as much as I can whether it’s bringing energy or being that guy that can be the glue guy.”
Since draft night, McCain has been traveling the country to work on his game. He started with Summer League appearances in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, then returned to Duke to work out with former college teammates. The next stop was the Sixers’ practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, before participating in an unofficial team minicamp held that Sixers assistant coach Rico Hines holds in Los Angeles.
According to Pompey, McCain was back in Philadelphia this week before flying to Carroll, Iowa, for head coach Nick Nurse’s charity golf tournament. He then returned to California to continue working out with his new teammates in preparation for the start of training camp next month.
“I got to do the Podcast P with Paul George podcast,” he said. “Tyrese was in there all of the time. The summer league team was mostly there. So, yeah, it was just getting to know everybody and seeing everybody back.”
McCain was an outstanding three-point shooter in college, connecting at 41.4% from beyond the arc in his only season with the Blue Devils and setting a Duke freshman record by sinking eight threes in a game. That didn’t carry over to Summer League, though, as he shot just 28.6% from the field and 25.5% from long distance. McCain is confident that he can help space the floor for the Sixers, but added that he’ll be happy with any role that gets him on the court.
“If it’s playing team defense and knowing rotations, and being out there, knowing how to play with everybody,” he said, “if that’s what it is, that’s what it is. I just want any chance to play, whether it’s point guard, or shooting guard or anything.”
If he can carve out a career similar to JJ Reddick, I think most people would be happy.
McCain can do more than just shoot
He can journal
??? who is giving him slack for playing over seas?
Me. Dudes a bum and I for one am ecstatic he’s out of the league
This article is the abyss, and if you get to the section abouy a charity golf tournament, the abyss stares back.
It is always creepy having you stare back at people. Do we need to take out another restraining order.
Dwight probably has applicable advice
Jason Collins, Dwight Howard, John Ameachi are some notable vets that could mentor him.
Are you cruising for dates again? Not getting enough on Grindr.
This is why you should have veterans on your team.
Should have drafted Dalton instead of this guy. SMH sixers
Wait what? There are no veterans on the sixers? Where do you get that bizarre idea? Nobody drafted Dalton. Sounds like Dalton is GLeague material. That is probably why didn’t draft him.
Dalton Knecht? The guy drafted right after by the Lakers. Bro you need to learn more basketball knowledge. Do you know what veterans are? Wait what? How do you come up with your bizarre response? Go talk about football
Well, I didn’t know you were on a first name basis with draftees. So, Kyle Lowry’s 17 seasons in the NBA make him a rookie? What about Paul George? Embiid a little to green for you?
Bro give it a rest
My advice wear 3 pair of shorts.Because the splinters from the bench will cause an infection