As the Philadelphia 76ers‘ playoff run continues, their former first-round pick Jared McCain didn’t shy away from the fact that he pays close attention when he’s not on the court competing.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard was asked about his former team on Wednesday afternoon, and McCain admitted that he still pays attention to his former squad.
“I watch them pretty closely,” McCain told reporters. “Those are still my guys. Those are my brothers, so I’m definitely watching them and always rooting for them no matter what. I watch them pretty closely, that’s probably the main team I watch.”
The Sixers Cut Ties With Jared McCain At The Deadline
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 04: Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Wells Fargo Center on December 04, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Last season, nobody in Philadelphia would’ve thought that McCain’s first NBA playoff action wouldn’t come with the Sixers.
When the former Duke star made his debut with the team during the 2024-2025 NBA season, it was clear the Sixers had something in him. McCain was on an impressive run, gaining traction as a potential Rookie of the Year winner.
Unfortunately, he was ruled out for the rest of his rookie season after 23 games. McCain suffered a knee injury. Just as he was getting healthy enough to debut with the Sixers for his sophomore effort at the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season, McCain suffered another setback.
The young guard played in 37 games for the Sixers this season. He went from seeing the court for 25.7 minutes per game as a rookie to just 16.8 minutes of playing time as a second-year player. McCain shot 37.8% from three and averaged 6.6 points per game.
At the 2026 NBA trade deadline, McCain was shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for draft compensation. It was a highly controversial move in Philadelphia. Many believed that McCain had a high ceiling. He was a fan favorite and a strong locker room presence.
McCain Is Thriving With The Thunder
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – FEBRUARY 27: Jaylin Williams #6 and Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on February 27, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Since joining the Thunder, McCain has appeared in 30 regular-season games. He shot 39.1% from three, while putting up 10.4 points per game. In the playoffs, McCain has appeared in five games. He is producing 4.8 points per game in 7.4 minutes off the bench.
While McCain is deep into the rotation, he continued to show the Thunder that he has a lot of potential. He’ll continue gaining postseason experience with the defending champs, as they navigate through their second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Meanwhile, the Sixers will be trying to climb out of a 0-2 hole against the New York Knicks, after dropping Game 2 on Wednesday night.