When the Oklahoma City Thunder dealt for Jared McCain in trade for the Houston Rockets’ 2026 first-round choose and a trio of second-round picks, the hope was that McCain would finally turn out to be an integral a part of the workforce’s younger core.
From his glorious begin to his rookie marketing campaign, it was clear he had the perimeter capturing chops and the artistic scoring talents to be a significant enhance for the Thunder. The commerce was, in practical phrases, a hopeful upside swing for a time when the constrictions 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 workforce management for 2 extra years at a modest annual worth.
But no person really 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 flattening 39.1% of his 3-point makes an attempt by way 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 can 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, nevertheless it’s value repeating right here. McCain’s potential to acclimate into considered one of the most mentally demanding two-way methods 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 happened, 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 reality, mixed along with his damage historical past, made it troublesome to imagine the McCain deal might have a direct influence for the Thunder. When it turned clear that McCain would not be a part of the playoff rotation, due to this fact, it felt merely as if a pleasant shock had come to an finish.
But Mark Daigneault made clear to McCain that he would have his likelihood, 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. He 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 doubtless get additional alternatives relying on how lengthy the Phoenix collection 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 important for the Thunder. The McCain commerce continues to be a home run compared to early expectations.
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