Jared McCain Explains Steph Curry’s Influence On His Game amid 76ers Breakout

Andrew PetersNovember 26, 2024

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Over the last decade, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry has emerged as one of the biggest influences on the next generation of NBA players.

His influence is evident in Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain.

Amid a fantastic start to his career, McCain told The Athletic’s Tony Jones how Curry has inspired his game.

“He’s always been my favorite player in the league,” McCain said. “Steph influenced so many people, including me, in my generation. When I was growing up, I wanted to shoot 3s from as far away as I could.”

McCain has the makings to become a Curry-level shooter, making 40 percent of his shots from deep through 16 games. But it’s not just his range that is reminiscent of Curry, it’s also his off-ball abilities.

“I think I watched him more off the ball than on the ball,” he said. “I watched the way he relocates after he passes it. I watched the way he’s able to sprint around the court. I think I’m in really good shape, and I get my feet set fast. So those are some things that I think I can use to my advantage to get shots off.”

Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBAJared McCain looking Steph-like on back-to-back plays pic.twitter.com/eIsRKwMO7f

The NBA will likely never see another player like Curry, the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers made, but as time goes on more players will mirror his style. McCain is a prime example of that.

The 16th pick in the 2024 NBA draft has been a bright spot in an otherwise dull season for Philadelphia. He’s putting up 16.6 points per game and is making a strong case to be the NBA’s Rookie of the Year.