Jared McCain made his debut on November 4 in the Philadelphia 76ers’ loss to the Chicago Bulls, having last played nearly 11 months ago. Fast forward nine days later and he is yet to score this season, indicating the need for change.
The 76ers assigned McCain to the Delaware Blue Coats on Thursday afternoon, the team announced. He is expected to play extended minutes in Delaware’s next two games to adjust to the intensity at the NBA level. Given his early problems, such a change of pace could benefit McCain in the long run.
Inside McCain’s breakdown
McCain played three games this season, shooting 0-9 from the field and 0-2 from three-point range. He was uncomfortable creating off the dribble and unreliable from beyond the arc – his two calling cards from last season.
McCain wears a left knee brace, which limits his mobility. He will probably continue to practice it for a longer period of time as a precaution. McCain tore his meniscus against the Indiana Pacers on December 13 and missed the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.
To make matters worse, so does he suffered a torn UCL in his right thumb during a practice on September 25, causing him to miss Philadelphia’s first six games.
Between recovering from two separate injuries and general rust, it’s no wonder McCain has struggled as dramatically as he has. If McCain wants to surpass the heights he reached last season, he must adapt to his brace and rediscover his shooting ability. Playing with the Blue Coats could be the start of McCain’s redemption.
Getting his swagger back
One of the biggest obstacles McCain has faced this season has been limited opportunities.
Philadelphia played the guard less than 10 minutes in two of his three games in an effort to gradually reintegrate him. It’s unrealistic to expect McCain to regain rhythm in such short bursts, but Nick Nurse had to prioritize playing his best guards over McCain’s reacclimatization.
McCain’s offensive prowess will raise the 76ers’ ceiling, but as he stands, he should adapt in a lower-leverage situation like Delaware’s.
The Blue Coats face the Greensboro Swarm tonight at 7:00 PM EST and Saturday, November 15 at 6:00 PM. This is an ideal opportunity for McCain to operate with a green light and shake off the rust that has weighed him down.
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