Jared McCain went from a rookie on the fringes of the rotation to a crucial cog. With news that he’s officially out for the season, the Sixers need to do something to replace him.
When the Sixers took Jared McCain with the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, it was widely viewed as a good pick.
The Duke Blue Devil was arguably the best shooter in the class, had a strong overall offensive game, and competed on defense. Most projections didn’t have the California native making it all the way to pick 16. The Sixers knew they had a solid future piece in the 20-year-old back in June.
As we sit here in January, likely nobody imagined that the team would be desperately missing their rookie guard, who was officially ruled out for the season Thursday, but that’s the reality.
In the first seven games after McCain went down with a torn meniscus, the Sixers went 6-1. Joel Embiid and Paul George were playing regularly, Tyrese Maxey got going a bit, and guys like Kelly Oubre and Caleb Martin were playing their roles to perfection.
It didn’t last though.
The Sixers have now lost three of five, with their two wins coming against the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards — two teams way more interested in ping-pong balls than wins. While the road drubbing by the Golden State Warriors can qualify as a schedule loss, it’s easy to see how McCain’s presence could’ve easily tipped the scales in the Sixers’ implosion against the Sacramento Kings and their disappointing showing against the Phoenix Suns.
What McCain did so well in the 23 games he played was scale his offensive role. On the (rare) nights that the team had all its stars, McCain was happy to hunt threes and keep the ball moving. When those guys were out he looked like a legitimate No. 1 or 2 option, creating offense and scoring in bunches.
It’s not hyperbolic to say that two of the Sixers’ losses since he’s been out could’ve easily been flipped to wins. Think about the end of the Kings game, where George and Maxey struggled mightily handling traps as the only reliable offensive options. McCain has proven to be a strong ball-handler at the NBA level and could’ve made Sacramento pay for their aggressive strategy.
The Sixers might’ve had their best defensive game of the season against the Suns. The Sixers might’ve had their worst offensive game of the season against the Suns. Again, it’s very easy to see the difference McCain’s scoring prowess could’ve made.
While the Sixers eventually took care of business against the lowly Wizards Wednesday, poor offense nearly doomed them again. Imagine McCain in that game, going up against Bub Carrington, a player selected two slots ahead of him.
Consider what McCain said about falling to 16 back in November.
“[I’d] be lying if I believe there’s 15 guys better than me,” McCain said. “To have that confidence, you have to go in the NBA and think I’m the best player on the court every time I step on the court. Even if it’s Donovan Mitchell, I’ve got to believe I’m the best player because there’s no way I’m going to play well if I don’t. In this draft, I’ve definitely got my eye on people that I want to play. I just always play with a chip on my shoulder, no matter what it is.”
Think it’s fair to say the Sixers miss this type of energy from their young guard as well.
If the Sixers have any hope of salvaging this season — whatever that looks like to them — they’re going to need to replace McCain’s shot creation and shot-making. They can’t continue to go through a scoring slog every time they’re shorthanded.
There will be players available around the deadline.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Donte DiVincenzo is a name that’s been thrown around, but that feels unlikely. The Villanova product hasn’t had his best season, but we all know what he’s capable of. Plus, he’s on an incredibly team-friendly contract. Never say never — and he would be an outstanding fit here — but it’s hard to see it happening.
If the Sixers are looking for the more reliable type of guard, keep an eye on Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls. His numbers from three are down after shooting over 40% last year, but he could add athleticism and size to a backcourt that could use both. Dosunmu has impressively averaged 4.8 assists to only 1.3 turnovers per game this season. He’s also signed through next season. At 6-foot-5, he’d be an ideal fit next to Maxey and/or McCain in 2025-26.
If the Sixers want to target a more dynamic offensive player, someone like Charlotte’s Tre Mann could make sense. The Hornets’ guard is a legit scorer and playmaker. He’s averaging 14.1 points and 3.0 assists in only 24.5 minutes per game. He’s also chucking up nearly seven threes per 36 minutes and making over 40%. Mann is an expiring contract so Charlotte won’t be able to demand too much for his services. Sixers fans will also enjoy the Allen Iverson aesthetic.
Hell, maybe Daryl Morey should put in a call to the Wizards about Jared Butler. The 24-year-old, who starred for Baylor, cooked the Sixers the other night. Health has been the only thing holding Butler back (I know, I know), but if you can get him for a meager return, it’d be an interesting gamble.
There will be other names thrown around, but the Sixers have a dire need to replace Jared McCain.
Imagine reading that sentence back in June.