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Ex-76ers star Jared McCain’s stat proves Daryl Morey didn’t ‘sell low’ on Thunder sniper
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- Ex-76ers star Jared McCain’s stat proves Daryl Morey didn’t ‘sell low’ on Thunder sniper
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Playoff pressure often brings hindsight conversations, and this NBA postseason has been no exception. One of the recurring themes is how players once limited to smaller roles can suddenly thrive in new situations. That's exactly what's happening with former Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain , who is flourishing in a larger role with the Oklahoma City Thunder .
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McCain was selected 16th overall by the 76ers in the 2024 NBA Draft, signed a four-year deal on July 4, 2024, and made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024. During his rookie stretch, he averaged 16.0 points per game across 18 appearances and was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October and November, becoming the first 76ers player since Ben Simmons in March 2018 to earn the honor. His 2025-26 season in Philadelphia was limited to 37 appearances, where he averaged 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. His time with the Sixers included a meniscus tear in his left knee (December 14, 2024), season shutdown (January 10, 2025), and later a UCL thumb surgery (October 1, 2025) that required at least a month recovery.
On February 4, 2026, Philadelphia traded McCain to the Thunder for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks.
In the 2026 Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs , McCain has accumulated 43 points across the series, including a playoff career-high 24 points on Friday night in a 123-108 Game 3 win that gave Oklahoma City a 2-1 series lead . He shot 47.6% from the field, going 10-for-21.
McCain has now outscored the combined Conference Finals production of the last six 76ers lottery picks, according to StatMuse. That group includes VJ Edgecombe (2025), Mikal Bridges (2018), Markelle Fultz (2017), Ben Simmons (2016), Jahlil Okafor (2015), and Joel Embiid (2014). Bridges is still active in the Conference Finals with the New York Knicks and could still match or surpass that figure.
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The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , who finished with 26 points and 12 assists. Jaylin Williams added 18 points, while the Oklahoma City bench outscored the Spurs reserves 76-23 , highlighted by 15 points from Alex Caruso . Victor Wembanyama paced San Antonio with 24 points, Devin Vassell scored 20, and De'Aaron Fox contributed 15 in his series debut.
Game 4 will be played Saturday at Frost Bank Center, with tipoff set for 8 p.m. ET.
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