Duke star Jared McCain already turned heads with his 3-point shooting at the NBA Draft Combine, but his measurements also show some promise for his potential NBA career.
According to ESPN writer Jonathan Givony and the ESPN database, McCain offers a profile similar to New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
With shoes on, McCain measured a hair above 6-foot-3, and he weighed in at 203 pounds. Brunson came in a full inch shorter at 6-foot-2.25 when he went through the draft cycle in 2018, but he weighed 198 pounds and their wingspans measured a half-inch apart.
Brunson emerged as a superstar during this year’s NBA playoffs. He’s scored at least 40 points in five of New York’s 11 games thus far, averaging 33.9 points per game. The Knicks currently lead the Indiana Pacers 3-2 in the second round, with New York one win away from an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
Givony thinks the comparison goes deeper than their height and weight.
“Has some similar intangibles in my view,” the NBA Draft analyst wrote.
Interesting physical comp our 7500+ database spit out for Jared McCain's measurements. Stronger at a younger age than 21-year old Jalen Brunson, but similar height/length. Has some similar intangibles in my view. pic.twitter.com/Lx3DhyAyML
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 15, 2024
McCain also enters the NBA Draft process nearly two full years younger than Brunson was in 2018, as the former Blue Devil is 20 years and three months old.