Whether it’s love or hate, Jared McCain is ready for whatever comes his way in Philadelphia with the Sixers

Kicking off a vital offseason, Philadelphia stayed pat within the first spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft, utilizing the sixteenth decide on Duke sharpshooter Jared McCain. The combo guard at Duke turned recognized for his 40% three-point proportion, the TikToks he posts, his painted fingernails, and the shared journey he’s gone on along with his brother.

Solely minutes after his choice, McCain spoke to Sixers reporters for the primary time. Spoiler alert: he talked about cheesesteaks in his first reply.

McCain, who comes with a status of being a tough employee, thinks coming to Philadelphia ought to be a simple transition after taking part in off a giant man throughout his freshman yr at Duke.

“Clearly taking part in via [Kyle Filipowski], I discovered to create area for him and simply be capable to let him do his work and discover gaps and discover methods to get open,” he stated. “So I believe it’s an important transition for me.”

Not solely does he consider the on-court transition will go properly, however he thinks his expertise as a Duke Blue Satan and the status that comes with that can assist his transition as a Philadelphian as properly.

“Clearly that comes with a number of hate and a number of scrutiny wherever you go,” he stated, “however I believe that’s getting ready for the place I’m at, particularly with Philly, so I believe I’m prepared for it.”

He was already requested about his TikToks and fingernails, and isn’t fearful about how individuals will understand him in a hard-nosed metropolis.

“Yeah, you realize I do the social media, the nail portray, I do all that stuff, however basketball is my foremost focus and this has been my dream since I used to be 4 or 5 years previous,” he stated. “So I’m going to do no matter I can simply to win and produce a constructive perspective and simply have enjoyable, man. I’m joyful with life and I attempt to convey that in every single place I am going.”

McCain credit his household for his constructive persona. He repeatedly talked about that no matter hate he might face, he’s going to struggle it with positivity.

“It’s gotten me this far, so I received’t cease now,” he stated. “And even when there’s a bunch of hate coming my means, I attempt to be as constructive as attainable and simply proceed to work and belief my work.”

He’s basically seen the draft course of as a journey he’s gone on along with his brother. Jayce McCain needed to cease taking part in basketball because of blood clots, and went to Duke to change into a grad assistant to be on the identical college as his brother, Jared.

“It was our dream to get drafted, and so we each did it,” he stated.