,The 2024 NBA Draft has come and gone and the Sixers future looks brighter. According to experts, the team earned a high grade as they addressed two major needs with their two picks. Let’s recap and meet the future of the Sixers.
16th Pick: Jared McCain
After much speculation about whether they will make a trade, the Sixers ended up keeping the 16th pick and selected Duke guard Jared McCain. McCain, 20, starred at Duke averaging 14.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in his only collegiate season. His most outstanding strength? His knockout three-point shooting. McCain made 41.4 percent of his threes on 5.8 attempts per game. He prioritizes his shooting and on a team centered around Joel Embiid it’s a role he should thrive in.
McCain is also eager to meet Tyrese Maxey and begin to learn from him. He’s determined to grow his game, especially defensively. He wants to prove he can play on-ball, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, and impact winning from the beginning.
Off the court, McCain is known for his TikTok videos, as well as painting his nails and being very outgoing. He embraced the scrutiny from his time at Duke which he said has prepared him for playing in Philadelphia.
His positive personality and strong work ethic will bring much needed young energy to the team. Basketball has always been Jared McCain’s main focus. As he begins to live out his lifelong dream, McCain is staying joyful and wants to bring that energy to wherever he goes.
41st Pick: Adem Bona
On day 2 of the Draft, the Sixers selected big man Adem Bona from UCLA. Bona averaged 12.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in his sophomore year but his defensive ability is what caught the eyes of Daryl Morey. Averaging 1.1 steals and 1.8 blocks and his ability to hustle all around the floor earned him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Bona, who has Nigerian and Turkish roots, is excited to learn from Joel Embiid, who shares similar African roots. He’s committed to contributing right away through his defense, athleticism, work ethic, and bringing all the energy he can give.
Other Moves
The Sixers struck quickly on the undrafted market as well. They agreed to a two-way contract with Philly native Justin Edwards from Kentucky. Edwards is a 6-foot-8 wing with a smooth shooting touch and definitely someone worthy of earning a two-way role.
The team also agreed to sign wing David Jones out of Memphis to a two-way deal and center Max Fiedler from Rice to an Exhibit-10 deal.
Hopefully fans will get their first looks at McCain, Bona, Edwards, Jones, and Fiedler in the Summer League as they are nice additions next to Ricky Council IV and Terquavion Smith. The Summer Sixers return on July 8th at 7 p.m. against the Thunder.
Photo: GettyImages
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