Jared McCain has spoken about his emotional departure from the Philadelphia 76ers, after a strong performance in the playoffs for his new team.
McCain scored a playoff career-high 18 points for Oklahoma City against the Los Angeles Lakers. He went 7-for-11 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range. His performance added to a postseason run that has impressed.
Trade Deadline Reaction
McCain was the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was then traded to the Thunder in February for a first-round pick and three second-round selections. He admitted he didn’t see the trade coming.
Speaking after Game 2, McCain described his initial reaction. “When I first got traded, it was heartbreaking at that point. I didn’t understand what was going on. But coming here, it has been nothing but love. And I’m so grateful. I share my gratitude with the team, maybe a little too much sometimes. Sometimes I get on their nerves. But I really appreciate them and everything they do for me and my career. It’s worked out. It’s a blessing to be here. I’m truly, truly grateful every single day. Every moment, I thank God every day for being in OKC.”
Daigneault’s Comments
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault highlighted a selfless extra pass McCain made to Ajay Mitchell in Game 1. He suggested it was a sign of the qualities OKC’s locker room values.
“I just think there’s certain qualities a player has that resonate with this particular locker room. Professionalism is one of them. Commitment to your craft is another one. Competitiveness, the willingness to compete and the willingness to play inside of the team. If you do those things on this team, you earn pretty immediate respect.
“Take, for example, the extra pass McCain made to Mitchell in Game 1. This team recognizes that, and you’re part of the club pretty quickly,” Daigneault said.
A Fresh Start
McCain had a torn meniscus in his rookie season. He then fell out of the rotation in Philadelphia as injuries piled up in year two.
McCain is a player who needed a fresh start, and the timing has been everything to him.
The Thunder acquired him in February.