Thunder’s greatest Jared McCain wish is already coming true at the perfect time
When the Oklahoma City Thunder dealt for Jared McCain in alternate for the Houston Rockets’ 2026 first-round choose and a trio of second-round picks, the hope was that McCain would ultimately turn into an integral a part of the group’s younger core.
From his glorious begin to his rookie marketing campaign, it was clear he had the perimeter taking pictures chops and the inventive scoring skills to be a serious increase for the Thunder. The commerce was, in reasonable phrases, a hopeful upside swing for a time when the constraints of the second apron would depart Oklahoma City with a transparent want for cost-controlled items. No matter how McCain carried out throughout his first season with the Thunder, he was nonetheless underneath group management for 2 extra years at a modest annual worth.
But no person actually anticipated him to tackle the position he did throughout the common season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell’s absences granted him some further leeway when he first arrived. But even after their returns, McCain caught round in the rotation, averaging 10.4 factors and pulling down 39.1% of his 3-point makes an attempt by means of his 30 video games in a Thunder uniform.
Now, with the damage to Jalen Williams, McCain is already poised to play significant playoff minutes. If he may even contribute a number of productive outings throughout this run, the Thunder’s gamble on him may have paid rapid dividends past even their brightest hopes.
Jared McCain went from benchwarmer to significant playoff contributor in lower than half a season
It’s been remarked on at size, however it’s price repeating right here. McCain’s skill to acclimate into one among the most mentally demanding two-way programs in the league has been spectacular exactly due to how little enjoying time he noticed with the Philadelphia 76ers this season. By the time the commerce came about, McCain was averaging simply 16.8 minutes per recreation underneath Nick Nurse. He had seen a string of DNPs only a week previous to the transfer.
That truth, mixed along with his damage historical past, made it tough to consider the McCain deal might have an instantaneous influence for the Thunder. When it turned clear that McCain would not be part of the playoff rotationdue to this fact, it felt merely as if a pleasant shock had come to an finish.
But Mark Daigneault made it clear to McCain that he would have his probability, and now it is come. After enjoying round 8.5 minutes of rubbish time in the first two video games towards Phoenix, McCain earned 12 minutes in Game 3 to assist make up for Williams’ absence. I’ve posted seven factors, 4 rebounds, and one help.
It wasn’t the splashiest efficiency, however McCain has now contributed meaningfully to Oklahoma City’s playoff run. He’ll probably get additional alternatives relying on how lengthy the Phoenix sequence drags on and the way lengthy Williams stays sidelined.
But even this singular efficiency, and the complete of the playoff minutes he is seen thus far, are vital for the Thunder. The McCain commerce continues to be a home run compared to early expectations.
