WATCH: Jared McCain puts the NBA on notice with career-high 34 points, as the short-handed Sixers battle the undefeated Cavaliers

Props to the Sixers and Jared McCain most notably for showing serious grit Wednesday night, going toe-to-toe with the undefeated Cavs in a hard-fought, four-quarter battle. Despite a 114-106 loss, Philly fans have plenty to be proud of—especially considering the Sixers were down some of their biggest names, including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Andre Drummond. Expectations were low without the star power, but the team kept it competitive, with rookie Jared McCain stepping up in a big way to help keep the game close. His performance was a bright spot in a tough matchup, and it’s clear at this point that McCain may have a higher ceiling that we ever thought.

Jared McCain is putting the league on notice. This kid can ball, and he’s quickly proving he’s got the makings of a future star. So far, he’s had four games with 18+ points—no other rookie even comes close, with most managing just one. His performance against Cleveland was a stat sheet stuffer to say the least: 34 points, 10 assists, two steals, and six threes. According to StatMuse, only two rookies in NBA history have hit those numbers in a single game—Jason Kidd and Steph Curry. While it may be a rare stat combo, it’s impressive company to keep. McCain’s making a name for himself, and Sixers fans have every reason to be excited.

I must admit, as someone who really wasn’t a fan of this draft pick at the time, I’m not only impressed but I think I’m willing to admit that I was wrong about the Duke product. I personally wanted Dalton Knecht coming out of Tennessee, who was arguably the best player in college basketball alongside Zach Edey. However, it appears McCain does indeed have the higher ceiling at the NBA level, just a few weeks into this season.

It seemed at the time the Sixers fan base was split between the two coming out of the draft, and many questioned McCain’s size and wondered how long it would take him to adjust to the NBA level. However, it sure seems Jared McCain has surpassed any and all early expectations and seems ready to be an NBA starter at this point.

Jared McCain is putting the league on notice!

Jared McCain in four games without Tyrese Maxey:

34 PTS, 10 AST, 6 3PM
23 PTS, 4 3PM
27 PTS, 3 3PM
18 PTS, 4 3PM⁰⁰Single-game rookie high for both points and assists this season.pic.twitter.com/NSnNv8QDO0

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) November 14, 2024

Jared McCain has shined when the lights have been the brightest as of late, and it’s been especially impressive given the circumstances with Embiid, Maxey, and PG missing time. I’m sure Daryl Morey drafted him with the intensions of him being a very nice complimentary piece alongside their stars. At the very least his three-point shooting would have been very useful, but in turns out their is a lot more untapped potential in his game. While only being 6-foot-three-, he has a very nice strong build at his age and has good speed and athleticism that translates at the pro level.

I did not think it would translate this fast or this well. I’m not going to lie to you all, I truly thought McCain’s ceiling was just like a Gabe Vincent level player or Seth Curry, who a lot of draft analysts compared him to. But, at this point I feel like it’s safe to say he could certainly surpass both of them.

As absolutely gut-wrenching and frustrating the start to this season has been for the Sixers and us fans, the lone bright spot has been this opportunity for Jared McCain to play far more minutes and play in a larger role. And honestly I’d argue it’s a huge bright spot given how long this season is and the timing of the injuries to their star players. Nick Nurse has no choice but to let the kid lace up every night and go out there and try to will this team to victory. Which he almost ddi last night against the NBA’s hottest team.

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