Jared McCain talks Joel Embiid, says he’s misunderstood in a lot of ways

Joel Embiid only suited up for 19 games last season, but his impact on the Sixers is still being felt every single day. According to rookie guard Jared McCain, the former MVP’s presence isn’t just about buckets, it’s about raising the level of everyone around him.

Jared McCain on Joel Embiid’s Influence

“You know, sometimes it’s vocal, sometimes it’s just by his actions,” McCain told Sixers on SI. “When he walks into the gym, there’s an energy shift. People want to impress him. You can tell when he steps on the court — the whole level of practice, the whole level of the game, it just goes up.”

That’s a big endorsement coming from a 20-year-old rookie who admits he didn’t know what to expect before meeting Embiid.

Jared McCain said he figured Embiid might be standoffish or difficult to approach, especially given how media narratives often paint him but instead found him surprisingly chill.

“He’s misunderstood in a lot of ways,” McCain said.

The Rookie Perspective

Jared McCain had his own bright spots last year, finishing seventh in Rookie of the Year voting despite playing just 23 games (eight as a starter).

Even while sidelined, he carved out a role in the locker room and leaned on vets like Embiid to navigate his first season. For a player whose TikTok-heavy personality made some fans question how he’d fit, McCain’s early maturity is a good sign.

What It Means Going Forward

The Sixers’ future hinges on a few things: Tyrese Maxey’s continued rise, VJ Edgecombe’s development, and Joel Embiid actually staying healthy.

If Embiid’s body holds up, his presence, both on and off the floor, gives this team structure. If not, the leadership stories are just window dressing on another wasted year.

Still, McCain is in a great spot. He’s a talented rookie surrounded by an MVP big man, an All-Star guard, and a coaching staff trying to build something sustainable.

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The Sixers haven’t exactly been a model of stability over the last few years, but if McCain’s first impressions are any indication, Embiid’s influence in the locker room remains legit.

The challenge, as always, is keeping him healthy enough for it to actually matter come playoff time.

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