The buzz surrounding rookie guard Jared McCain at Sixers’ training camp is impossible to ignore. Drafted No. 16 overall in the last NBA Draft, McCain is making a strong impression in just his second official practice as a professional. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, McCain may not have the ideal frame for a shooting guard, but his physicality and toughness on the court have caught the attention of head coach Nick Nurse.
Nurse praised McCain’s high basketball IQ, defensive tenacity, and ability to play through physicality. Despite his size, McCain’s performance has shown that he’s ready to battle it out in the NBA. His experiences as a decorated high school player and a year at Duke University have prepared him for the expectations of playing for a team like the Sixers.
McCain’s new teammates have also recognized his work ethic and shooting skills. While he may have to wait his turn behind veteran Eric Gordon, there’s optimism that McCain will make meaningful contributions down the line. Gordon himself sees similarities between McCain and his own playing style, hinting at a promising future for the rookie.
It may take some time for McCain to crack Nurse’s rotation, given the talent ahead of him, but his mental toughness and work ethic will undoubtedly serve him well as he strives to earn his spot on the team. As the season unfolds, McCain’s potential impact on the court will be one to watch.
Sixers player preview: Can Jared McCain contribute to winning as a rookie?
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