Multiple Sixers highlight Jared McCain's vocal leadership in summer
As the Sixers continue with the summer league in Las Vegas, McCain has been an active member of the team. Despite not being able to play, the second-year guard from Duke has been hanging around the team and has been a presence in practice as he looks to help the youngsters grow.
On Monday, summer league coach TJ DiLeo highlighted how active and vocal he has been in practice to help the youngsters continue to grow.
"He spoke up in a film session today," DiLeo said. "We came over here (in the team's film area) and he's sitting here. I was like, 'Hey, more that. Whenever you want to do that. Like you're part of this.' Like, it's something. It's great. All these messages coming from me, the coaching staff, but when a guy like him as someone who's been through it a year of it in the NBA, these guys look at him and when he can say something, and make a point? Like, they take that."
McCain was on his way to being a prime Rookie of the Year candidate when he did play in the 2024-25 season as he averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 23 games. He is somebody the younger Sixers can look to in this instance and try to emulate as they begin their careers.
"It's huge," said undrafted rookie guard Hunter Sallis. "He was just in my position last year. So being able to learn from someone who has so much success, you know, his rookie year, is huge. So it's definitely great having him around."
McCain is expected to make a full recovery and be ready when the season starts in October. The Sixers will be looking for him to be a big part of the team's backcourt rotation and give Philadelphia some good minutes at the guard spot just as he did as a rookie before he underwent his surgery.
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