Sixers Snipers: Tyrese Maxey & Jared McCain showcase elite three-point shooting in preseason opener vs New Zealand Breakers

What a week to be a Philadelphia sports fan. The Phillies are neck-deep in a heated NLDS battle against the Mets, the Eagles are fresh off a bye, and oh yeah, the Sixers just tipped off their preseason. October is here, and that means sports overload—get ready for the chaos!

While the Phillies and Eagles are stealing the headlines, don’t sleep on the Sixers. This year should be interesting, to say the least. With all the playoff drama in the air, the Sixers might not be the first thing on your mind. But let’s not forget—this is a huge season for them. A lot of new faces, a new coach, and a whole lot of uncertainty. This team could surprise some people, and preseason is our first chance to see it all start to come together.

After holding training camp in the Bahamas, there’s still some question marks around the roster. We knew Joel Embiid and Paul George were resting tonight, but Tyrese Maxey laced up against the New Zealand Breakers, bringing his usual fire.

Yeah, it’s preseason, but seeing Maxey go off this early just gets you that much more hyped for what’s to come.

Watch: Mad Maxey lights it up in Sixers Preseason Opener

15 PTS | 5-7 FG | 4-5 3FG | 3 AST@TyreseMaxey after Q1 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KMcfl22kVd

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 7, 2024

All eyes were on the Sixers’ 16th overall pick from the 2024 NBA Draft—Jared McCain. Now, I’ll admit, I wasn’t sold on the pick at first. But after watching him tonight, I have to say, the kid impressed me.

In his preseason debut, McCain stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and even threw in a block for good measure. Not bad for a smaller guard, right? What really stood out was his shooting. He hit 4 of his 9 three-point attempts, and that’s where he’ll make his money in the league. If McCain keeps this up, we might just have a serious shooter on our hands.

For a guy making his first appearance in a Sixers uniform, he showed poise and versatility. Could be the start of something special.

Cannot hype up Jared McCain's no-dip release off the catch enough, exactly what you want to see out of him.#Sixerspic.twitter.com/zpoA1MGFoJ

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) October 8, 2024

It’s clear Jared McCain put in some serious work on his shot since we last saw him in Summer League. His release now looks a lot like that of former Sixer Nicolas Batum—quick and smooth. For a guard his size, having a high, fast release is going to be crucial, especially when he’s facing NBA defenders who are taller, faster, and ready to close out.

Philadelphia 76ers demolish New Zealand Breakers 139-84 >>

What stood out more than anything was McCain’s confidence. He looked comfortable out there, a stark contrast to the Summer League version of himself.

Sure, it was against a New Zealand team, but still, this is the kind of progression you want to see from a rookie. If he keeps this up, McCain could carve out a role for himself as the season goes on. The Sixers might’ve found something here.

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