If it’s love or hatred, Jared McCain is ready to face whatever life throws to him in Philadelphia
Jared McCain was under a scrutiny for the entirety of his time at Duke. The Sixers are now his team Jared McCain is prepared for anything that comes to him in Philly.
In the midst of an important season off, Philadelphia stayed pat in the opening round of the 2024 NBA Draft, taking the 16th pick for Duke player Jared McCain. The guard who is a combo at Duke gained notoriety for his 40% 3-point rate and the numerous TikToks he shares as well as his manicured fingernails as well as the shared travels he’s had along with his twin brother.
Just a few minutes after he was selected, McCain spoke to Sixers reporters for the first time. It’s a spoiler that he mentioned cheesesteaks in his initial answer.
McCain is a man with an image as a hard-working individual McCain believes moving to Philadelphia is a smooth move after playing against an athletic player during his first time at Duke.
“Obviously having played through [Kyle’s Filipowski], I’ve learned to make space for him, and to allow him to do his job and look for holes and then find ways to be open,” he said. “So I believe it’s an excellent transition to me.”
He is not only convinced that the transition on court will go smoothly and smoothly, but he believes that his past experience as an Duke Blue Devil along with the name associated with it will aid his transition into a Philadelphian too.
“Obviously it will bring a lot of hatred and lots of scrutiny everywhere you travel,” he said, “but I’m sure that’s the way to prepare for the future particularly with Philly and I believe I’m well-prepared to face it.”
He’s already been asked concerning what he was wearing with his TikToks and fingernails. He’s not concerned about how people might perceive him in a tough-nosed city.
“Yeah I’m involved in social media, nail painting I do all of that but basketball is my primary focus and has been my goal since I was about 4 or five years old,” said the player. “So I’m determined to do everything I can to be successful, and keep an attitude of positivity and enjoy myself with my friends, man. I’m content with my life, and try to show the same joy wherever that I travel.”
McCain praises his family for his uplifting personality. He has repeatedly said that no matter what it is that he’s faced with the future, he’ll fight it with a positive outlook.
“It’s led me to this point and I’m not going to stop here,” he said. “And even when there’s some rage at my door I strive to stay as positive as I can be and continue to do my best and be confident in the work I do.”
He’s seen the process of getting drafted as a trip he’s been through together with Jared. Jayce McCain was forced to stop playing basketball because of blood clots. He was accepted to Duke to become a graduate assistant. He was in the same school as his brother Jared.
“It was our desire to be drafted, that’s why we both got this,” he said.