PHILADELPHIA—When your nine-time All-Star teammate declares a rookie as the team’s most consistent player, it’s either a testament to the rookie’s brilliance or a neon sign flashing “disaster.” For the Philadelphia 76ers, with a league-worst 2-12 record, it’s definitely leaning toward the latter.
Enter Jared McCain, the 16th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who’s been tearing it up in his rookie season. The former Duke Blue Devil has been the silver lining in Philly’s gloomy start, averaging 24.4 points on 48% shooting over the last seven games. While his performance has been electric, it raises an awkward question: why is a rookie doing all the heavy lifting on a team with Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey?
Paul George, who’s earning a cool $212 million to not quite live up to expectations, didn’t mince words on his podcast, Podcast P.
“Jared’s been awesome, man. He’s got that swag like he knows he belongs. But we can’t have him as our most consistent player. We all got to step our sht up,”* George said, likely side-eyeing his own stat sheet while saying it.
Jared McCain: Rookie or Savior?
With Maxey sidelined due to a hamstring injury and veteran Kyle Lowry showing his age, McCain has been thrown into the fire—and he’s thrived. Whether it’s hitting big shots or confidently running the offense, McCain has played like someone who didn’t get the memo about rookie growing pains.
“Jared’s fearless. He plays like the moment is never too big for him,” veteran Reggie Jackson said. “Meanwhile, some of us look like we’re auditioning for a blooper reel.”
In just a handful of starts, McCain has become the go-to guy for a team that’s somehow managed to make “struggling” an art form. His swagger is undeniable, but the fact that Philly’s playoff hopes rest on a 20-year-old’s shoulders is a little alarming.
Paul George: Time to Earn the Paycheck
While McCain has soared, George has stumbled. The six-time All-NBA player is averaging a lackluster 14.9 points on a woeful 38% shooting. For a guy who’s supposed to be a cornerstone of Philly’s title aspirations, he’s looking more like the cornerstone of a rebuild.
“We’ve all got to match Jared’s energy,” George said, possibly while wondering how much time is left on his contract.
It’s hard not to feel a little bad for George, though. When he joined the Sixers, he likely didn’t envision being outshined by a rookie. Yet here we are, with Jared McCain as Philly’s brightest star and George scrambling to find his rhythm.
Can Philly Bounce Back?
The Sixers still have time to turn things around, but they need their stars to start playing like, well, stars. McCain’s brilliance is a great story, but relying on him to carry the team through an 82-game season is a recipe for burnout and more L’s.
For now, McCain remains the Sixers’ fearless leader—something that should both excite fans and light a fire under the team’s veterans. If they don’t step up soon, though, Philly’s playoff hopes will vanish faster than Paul George’s shooting percentage.
And if that happens, at least Sixers fans will have a new mantra: “Trust the rookie.”
