Mccain Reflects On Sixers Tenure, Grateful To Fans For ‘having My Back'

McCain reflects on Sixers tenure, grateful to fans for ‘having my back'  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Jared McCain always strives to be in the present moment, to avoid dwelling on the past or anything that might hinder his jubilant, instinctive, sharpshooting brand of basketball.

McCain’s Monday in Philadelphia is about many moments. For the first time, the 22-year-old guard is in town as a visiting player. 

“It’s definitely different,” McCain said after the Thunder’s morning shootaround at Xfinity Mobile Arena. “I’ve never done it before. Even just arriving here, it was very weird going to the hotel and being on the opposing side. I’m happy to be back. Very nostalgic feeling.”

As McCain recalled, he was “kind of shocked” and “confused” upon hearing of the trade that sent him from the Sixers to the Thunder in exchange for one first-round draft pick and three second-rounders.

Once the news sunk in, McCain’s clearly enjoyed life as a member of the defending champions. Over 19.3 minutes per game, he’s averaged 12.3 points and 2.4 rebounds. McCain has shot 44 percent from three-point range. 

“When (Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey) first told me, I didn’t even really understand what team he sent me to,” McCain said. “I heard ‘traded’ and that was kind of it. But once I understood it was OKC, it was one of those moments where you’re almost like, ‘OK, they won a championship … why do you want me?’ 

“It’s almost like a scary feeling of what’s going to happen next. … But they’ve been nothing but welcoming to me. It’s been so awesome being around this team. The vibes are amazing and just the culture of the organization, they’ve helped make this process so smooth.”

Even while absent, McCain has often come to mind for anyone watching the Sixers since the trade deadline.

Morey made no deadline additions. Injury woes have struck the Sixers again. They’re a bottom-10 team in both three-point frequency and three-point accuracy this season, according to Cleaning the Glass. Morey considered McCain “somebody that’s more likely to help a team in the future.” He’s helped the 56-15 Thunder in his second NBA season. 

McCain laughed when he fielded a question about Sixers fans’ negative views on the trade.

“It means a lot,” he said. “I always loved the Philly fans. They were always super nice to me whenever I went out. When I got hurt, coming back from it, they were just always super positive and super helpful, in my opinion. So shoutout to them for having my back, I guess, through this process … and just always being there for me. 

“The DMs that I’ve gotten have been super nice, just saying they miss me and stuff. Definitely love the Philly fans for life for sure.”

While McCain generally defaults to a sunny point of view, he didn’t immediately bounce back to positivity as he settled into Oklahoma City.

“When I first got traded, it’s obviously not something that you want to happen,” he said. “You always want to be where you’re drafted. It’s like your first love. And so now it’s a breakup, and you’re going through that. But looking back at it, everything happens for a reason. I really trust in my faith in God and the universe. … Going forward, I’m just trusting everything that happens and I’m still grateful for everything here.”

McCain said he keeps in touch with former teammates, calling them “brothers for life.” He mentioned that he talked with fellow 2024 draftee Adem Bona on Sunday night and highlighted Kyle Lowry as a veteran mentor. 

The past will cross his mind Monday night and he won’t try to completely push it away.

“It’s obviously the greatest day of my life, being drafted, so I’ll always be thankful for Philly and to Daryl for drafting me,” he said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so I’ll never have any regret about being here or never have any attitude toward this organization. … There’s so many little things that this organization has helped me with that I’ll be forever grateful for.

“Trying not to get too emotional, but I’m very thankful to the Sixers for allowing me to be who I am.”