Philadelphia 76ers draft Duke’s Jared McCain as the 16th pick, a sharpshooter

The Sixers made a strategic move by selecting Jared McCain with the 16th overall pick in the NBA draft. A standout product from Duke, McCain is a 20-year-old guard known for his impressive shooting abilities. In his one season at Duke, McCain showcased his skills by averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

McCain’s standout trait is his shooting, with impressive percentages on two-point shots, three-point range, and free throws. He made a name for himself during the NCAA tournament with remarkable performances, including a strong showing from beyond the arc in a game against James Madison. Despite his shooting prowess, McCain also possesses other offensive strengths, such as driving to the basket and excelling in pick-and-roll situations.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 203 pounds, McCain may face challenges defensively in the NBA due to his size. However, the Sixers, led by All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, see the potential in McCain’s shooting abilities complementing their existing lineup. McCain expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team and help achieve their goals, including bringing home a championship.

Selected as the first Sixers first-round pick since Jaden Springer in 2021, McCain is poised to make an impact on the team with his shooting skills. The Sixers still have a second-round pick at 41st overall in the upcoming draft, providing further opportunities to strengthen their roster. Day 2 of the draft will commence on Thursday at 4 p.m. ET.