To say that the 2024-2025 season has not been kind to the Philadelphia 76ers would be an understatement. It's been a nightmare. However, the franchise may have found a diamond in the rough in rookie Jared McCain.
Yes, he is like Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams when it comes to an affinity for nail polish. But make no mistake about it: the former Duke star is more than tough enough to carry his weight. See what he's done with the team thus far. However, with McCain now having suffered a torn meniscus, bad luck has hit the 76ers too easily.
Standout rookie Jared McCain has suffered a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee and will undergo surgery. He is out indefinitely, the 76ers announced. pic.twitter.com/TVUOVfeFVp
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 14, 2024
Some would describe McCain’s standout performances as him being a rookie, and not much NBA tape exists on him for coaches. Additionally, the Sixers’ roster and the number of issues that have occurred this year are included.
Joel Embiid has been limited in both games played and production, while both Tyrese Maxey and Paul George have also been nicked due to injuries. This gives McCain more opportunities to take a step forward.
Additionally, when it comes to McCain and Maxey, their abilities offer a reason to pay attention to the 76ers. In the past, it was Embiid running the show. Now, the younger stars are the prime focus. So much for relying on old blood; it's the fresh faces that are taking control, and it will help the 76ers in the long run.
Jared McCain has worked wonders for the struggling Philadelphia 76ers.
However, the offense can't win games alone. It's going to take a strong defensive effort to finish the job. The Boston Celtics are a prime example. Adding Jrue Holliday to their team while sadly losing a fan favorite in Marcus Smart ultimately proved to be the right piece toward winning a championship. The 76ers may need to explore the option of adding more to their defense.
Moreover, upon his return, McCain must improve his playmaking ability. That doesn't mean his ability to shoot and score is a detriment. Instead, it provides hope for a franchise that has not had much to look forward to in quite some time. Playoff appearances can only appease a fanbase so much. What about the championship?
The NBA season is approaching Christmas, and it has been anything but holly and jolly in the City of Brotherly Love. Still, amongst all that coal is a shiny Blue Devil looking to change the narrative in Philadelphia that the season is a wash because of injuries.
Credit to the 76ers management for finding McCain and adding him to their team, but now it's on that same group to keep searching for help to compensate for others' and McCain's absences.