Jared McCain is eager to launch his rookie campaign with the The Philadelphia 76ersand the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft has a long list of goals to help him succeed on and off the court.
McCain was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team last season at Duke after averaging 14.3 points, five rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals on 41.4 percent three-point shooting in 36 games. He ranked 16th in the country among freshmen in three-point percentage.
Like all prospects entering the league this season, McCain has aspirations of winning Rookie of the Year honors and making an All-Rookie team. However, the 20-year-old revealed to Paul George on his podcast that he has other goals he would like to achieve.
There are obviously achievable goals, and you get to a certain point, and you get them. Like Rookie of the Year, obviously I want to win. But the ones that I think are going to determine a successful season are, ‘Did I work hard? Did I show up? Am I always humble and grateful? Did I stay balanced?’ I think those are the only goals I’ll ever follow, so they’ll always be at the top of my goal board. But, obviously, Rookie of the Year (and) Rookie of the Month and simple things like that.
McCain has the 15th best chance to win Rookie of the Year, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. His exact role for next season is still unknown, and he may not spend much time in the rotation on such a veteran-rich team. As a result, he is not among the current favorites for this award.
The 6-foot-11 guard made his Summer League debut with the Sixers, averaging 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in eight games between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He finished in double figures six times, including 21 points and seven rebounds on July 16.
McCain should provide the Sixers with a top-tier player, given his ability to shoot in a variety of ways. While he’s not currently considered a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, a strong start to the season could change that quickly.
