Just a few weeks removed from the NBA trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers arenât looking great when it comes to the trade front.
Leading up to the deadline, the Sixers made the shocking decision to trade the second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The fan base was frustrated, considering how McCain looked pre-injury as a rookie in 2024-2025.
As the trade ages so far, it doesnât look great for the 76ers. McCain has earned a rotation spot for an undermanned Thunder team, and he just might keep his minutes when the team gets healthy again.
What Does Nick Nurse Think About Jared McCain?
GettyFormer Sixers guard Jared McCain is bouncing back in his situation with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse admitted that heâs watched some of McCainâs minutes as a member of the Thunder.
As expected, he hasnât had a ton of time checking out his former player.
âIâve watched him very little,â Nurse told reporters.
âIâve seen just a bit, you know, five or 10 minutes of flipping channels. Listen, he looks good. Iâm happy for him. Thatâs all I can say. I really like the kid, no question about it. I got to take care of our own guys, though. So, I spend more than five or 10 minutes just coaching the guys we got.â
Following a February 27 matchup between the Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, McCain wrapped up his ninth outing with the Thunder.
In the matchup, McCain checked in for 19 minutes off the bench. He shot 6-8 from the field, knocking down a couple of threes to score 14 points. He had an off-the-bench impact for the Western Conferenceâs top team in a high-stakes overtime thriller.
Itâs still too early to declare the Sixers the losers in the deal, but the early returns suggest that Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia front office mightâve played the wrong hand.
When McCain was traded, the Sixers made the move with a follow-up acquisition in mind. The former first-rounder was dealt for draft assets. A first-rounder from the Houston Rockets was included. They still hold the picks after the deadline.
At the time of the trade, McCain was struggling for the Sixers. In 37 games, he averaged just 6.6 points while shooting 38% from the field. All but one of his games included a role off the bench.
Compared to his rookie effort, McCain struggled mightily. The Sixers were convinced they were selling McCain for a near-peak price. Since he joined the Thunder, his stock has spiked.
In nine games, McCain has seen the court for an average of 19.1 minutes per game. He is shooting threes at a 45% clip, taking 4.1 attempts per game. From the field, McCain is averaging 48%, to score 11.9 points per game. Playing in OKCâs system, the veteran guard is starting to look like his rookie version once again.
As expected, McCainâs emergence in Oklahoma has called for consistent criticism aimed at Phillyâs coaching staff and front office. Nurse might not be paying attention for obvious reasons, but the heat from the outsiders will surely continue to get turned up if the new Thunder guard continues to thrive in his current situation.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post 76ers’ Nick Nurse Admits Feelings on Jared McCain’s Thunder Run appeared first on Heavy Sports.