Absolute disaster. Dumpster fire. An embarrassment. Many words can be used to describe the beginning of the Philadelphia 76er’s 2024 season, but few are positive.

The Sixers began the season with a rocky 3-14 record through their first seventeen games, which came as a shock to fans and analysts alike. This particularly came as a surprise following an ESPN pre-season report that had ranked them as the fifth best team in the league. Philadelphia was hurt by the absence of their star center, Joel Embiid, as well as locker room drama, and lackluster performances from high-expectation off-season acquisitions like Paul George.

However, amidst all the obstacles there seems to be an unlikely hero rising up for the team. As the 16th overall pick in an underwhelming NBA draft, Duke guard Jared McCain has been proving himself as a star of both his squad and the league.

Coming out of Centennial High School in California, McCain was a captain of his team and was even selected to play in the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game in his senior year. He was a consensus 5-star recruit and committed to play college basketball for the Duke Blue- Devils. On April 13, 2023, he declared for the NBA draft, being picked up by the Sixers. He’d go on to debut in a losing effort against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Despite the team’s struggles, Jared continued to play great basketball. He quickly climbed the KIA Rookie Ladder, which has him currently ranked as the best rookie in the league. Through the first 15 games of the season, he has an average of 16 points per game, the highest PPG of all rookies in the league. As of December 9, McCain leads the rookie class in points per game, total points scored, total field goals made and is tied for the most three-pointers made. His aggressive offense, limitless scoring, and off-ball movement has quickly made him a threat on the offensive side of the ball.

Being labeled as the steal of the draft, McCain was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in October and November. He impressed many by scoring 20+ points in seven games straight, including three games with 30+ points, with a career high of 34 points on November 13 against the Cavaliers.

The passionate Philadelphia fanbase has quickly taken notice of the remarkable performance of the rookie. “Jared has been a massive part of the team,” junior Dominic Jervis said. “He has been great on the offensive side… [He is a] great young scorer and the future of the team.”

Despite the tremendous attitude and ability McCain brings to the team, he still struggles to get playing time especially in important and close games. When on the court, he makes the best of his time and has notable showings. This leads to confusion when head coach, Nick Nurse, decides to cut his minutes for other guards, like Kyle Lowry. Fans have voiced their frustration with these coaching decisions and benching strategies.

“[Nick Nurse] is making the wrong decisions out there… It’s embarrassing,” junior Jude Bogucki stated. “[Nurse] is a big part of all the losses this season.”

While fighting for a spot on the roster and showing his value to his team, McCain has undeniably found a way to shine through the darkness that has been this dreadful start to a season. Fans will be eager to witness how the rest of his rookie campaign pans out.

Now, with the return of Joel Embiid on the horizon and the rookie sensation, Jared McCain, quickly finding his footing in the league, one can’t help but wonder: can this unlikely hero help the 76ers turn this season around?

Works Cited:
Aschburner, Steve. “Kia Rookie Ladder: Jared McCain, Jaylen Wells Cap Strong Starts with Rookie Honors.” Nba.com, NBA.com, 4 Dec. 2024, www.nba.com/news/kia-rookie-ladder- december-4-2024-edition. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

ESPN. “2024-25 NBA Season Preview: Rankings, Predictions, Odds, More.” ESPN.com, ESPN, 21 Oct. 2024, www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41837400/2024-25-nba-season- preview-rankings-predictions-odds-more.

“Season Leaders States.” NBA.com, 2024, www.nba.com/stats/leaders?Scope=Rookies&StatCategory=PTS&PerMode=Totals. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.