Joel Embiid Says Jared McCain Has ‘Probably’ Been 76ers’ Best Player at Training Camp
Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVOctober 3, 2024
Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers have plenty of star power with Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, but one player has stood out above the rest during training camp.
At least in the eyes of the star center.
“Probably our best player has been Jared McCain,” Embiid said, per 76ers reporter Lauren Rosen.
That is quite the praise for the rookie ahead of his first season. Philadelphia selected the Duke product with the No. 16 overall pick of the 2024 NBA draft, and it surely hopes he can play his way into a significant role in the rotation in 2024-25.
On paper, McCain should fit in nicely with the rest of the 76ers.
He connected on a blistering 41.4 percent of his three-pointers during his one season at Duke and even hit eight three-pointers in one game during an NCAA tournament victory over James Madison to propel the Blue Devils to the Sweet 16.
McCain should see plenty of open looks this season when defenses collapse down on Embiid on the post or send extra help to cut off driving lanes for Maxey and George. If the rookie can consistently knock down those open shots, he will likely earn even more playing time.
It sounds like he is hitting those shots in training camp given Embiid’s early comments.
