In a move that could very well land him more minutes on the court—or at least a few extra likes on social media—Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain decided to pay homage to none other than WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark. And how did he do it? Not by copying her insane shooting range or legendary trash-talking, but by showing up to Gainbridge Fieldhouse rocking a hoodie emblazoned with her image. Because, you know, nothing screams “I’m ready for my big moment” like repping someone else’s accomplishments.
The 76ers’ official Twitter account dropped the hoodie bomb on Sunday, posting, “When in @CaitlinClark22’s city we show respect,” alongside four photos of McCain proudly wearing the black hoodie covered in Clark’s Iowa Hawkeye highlights. Yes, you read that right—a men’s NBA player, paying tribute to a WNBA star in her rookie season. Now, if only that hoodie could somehow translate into some playing time, right?
After all, McCain, who saw the court for a grand total of four minutes in each of the Sixers’ first two games this season, could probably use the extra boost. He’s sitting as the fourth guard on the depth chart behind Tyrese Maxey, Kyle Lowry, and Reggie Jackson. That hoodie might not get him the starting job, but maybe—just maybe—it’ll buy him some garbage time in the fourth quarter when the Pacers have already packed up and gone home.
Let’s face it, though, wearing the Caitlin Clark hoodie might have been McCain’s smartest move so far this season. If you can’t get attention for buckets, might as well grab some headlines with fashion. And who knows? With Caitlin Clark’s name on his back, maybe he’ll channel her 40-foot shooting prowess for himself.
Meanwhile, Clark’s been keeping herself busy. Fresh off her first WNBA season with the Indiana Fever, she’s been out here receiving more honors than McCain’s had total playing time. Over the weekend, Clark returned to her old stomping grounds at Iowa, where she and a few former teammates were honored during the Hawkeyes’ football game against Northwestern. Cheered on by fans, Clark soaked in the love, because let’s face it—when you’re Caitlin Clark, adoration follows you like three-point shots follow Steph Curry.
When asked in a post-game interview about facing off against her former teammate Kate Martin in the WNBA, Clark couldn’t help but throw a playful jab: “Well, minus the four times I lost to Kate, pretty good.” Now, that’s the kind of spice we like to see—just enough sass to keep things interesting, but not enough to overshadow her inevitable rise to basketball royalty.
And don’t think she’s kicking back during the off-season. No, Clark’s schedule is packed. From golfing with former LPGA players to possibly competing in the upcoming 3×3 Unrivaled League, she’s taking “busy” to new heights.
As for McCain, here’s hoping that wearing Clark’s face on his chest might just be the secret weapon he needs to earn a few more meaningful minutes. Or, you know, maybe just a few more retweets. Either way, one thing’s for sure—he’s got a good eye for who’s on top in the basketball world, even if it isn’t him… yet.