Very surprised to have been drafted in 16th place by the Sixers, Jared McCain has “cried with joy”It must be said that finding yourself in Philadelphia, in an ultra-ambitious team, is not the worst situation for arriving in the NBA.
Still, he doesn't plan on spending his time on the bench watching Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. He hopes to get minutes to express himself. “There are a lot of things I have to learn, that I have to be better at. I want to play this season.”, he confirms. “We have a great team and I want to find a way to get on the floor.”
His main quality to impose himself with the Sixers? His 3-point shot since he comes off a season with 41% success in this exercise at Duke. “Being a shooter is useful for any team. When Embiid and George are two-on-one, or even three-on-one for the former, you have to give him space. Be in the corner or on the wings. I'll be ready.”he announces.
“I'm here to learn as much as possible”
But for a rookie, on a team this ambitious and offensively armed, Jared McCain will probably have to bring more than just a long-range shot. “If it's defending, knowing the rotations, if that's what it is, then that's what it is. I just want a chance to play. It doesn't matter what position it is: point guard, guard, whatever.”
The former Duke player will likely spend more time on the bench than on the court, at least early in the season. But those moments won't be in vain since the group – which includes Guerschon Yabusele – is impressive on paper and everyone will be able to help him get into the deep end.
“Kyle Lowry is someone I’ve watched, especially his college footage. Obviously in the NBA, he’s more powerful. I can also learn from Tyrese Maxey. Joel Embiid is an MVP, Paul George, Reggie Jackson… I can learn from that whole group. That’s definitely something that gets me excited. Even if I’m not playing, I’m here to learn as much as I can,” he concludes.
