Former Duke basketball star Jared McCain was one of four NBA rookies announced as Jordan Brand athletes on Saturday.
[autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag], the former Duke basketball player taken in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft, announced his partnership with the Jordan Brand on Saturday.
Jordan, one of the most famous shoe companies in sports, revealed its rookie class of endorsement deals to start the weekend. McCain, now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, joined Dalton Knecht, Stephon Castle, and Ja’Kobe Walter among the first-year players who signed with the brand.
McCain averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in his only year as a Blue Devil, but made his biggest impact as a 3-point weapon and an explosive scorer. He made 41.4% of his attempts from long range and scored at least 30 points in three different games, including twice in the NCAA Tournament.
He dropped 30 on James Madison in the second round before tying a school postseason record with 32 points against NC State in the Elite Eight. He made 16 of his 32 triples over the four-game tournament run.
Philadelphia took McCain with the 16th overall pick in June.
The newest members of flight. Introducing Jordan Brand’s 2024 Rookie Class.
McCain played eight total minutes in his first two regular-season games with the 76ers, scoring four points and pulling down two rebounds in his debut against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
Here’s what we know about Joel Embiid and Paul George.
The Philadelphia 76ers begin one of the most anticipated seasons in their franchise history on Wednesday against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks. Unfortunately, it starts with a little bit of a damper, as star center Joel Embiid and newly acquired forward Paul George will both miss the opener with respective knee injuries.
Here’s what we know about their current status and when we might see Embiid and George share the floor together.
Embiid’s left knee ailment — where he tore his meniscus last year — is nothing new. He did not appear in Philadelphia’s preseason as part of an apparent 76ers load management plan to ensure he stays healthy throughout the year and is ready to go for the postseason.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Embiid is ramping up his activity this week with an undisclosed planned return sometime after.
George, on the other hand, is dealing with a hyperextended left knee that was unfortunately suffered earlier this preseason. There is no definitive timetable on George’s official debut with the 76ers as he is set to be reevaluated sometime this week.
Take heed and be patient, 76ers fans. Your team’s new and exciting era will begin soon enough … even if it’s a little delayed.
The Philadelphia 76ers have strategically bolstered their lineup this offseason to contend strongly in the Eastern Conference. With the addition of Paul George, the dynamic within the team shifts, allowing Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to maximize …
The Philadelphia 76ers have strategically bolstered their lineup this offseason to contend strongly in the Eastern Conference. With the addition of Paul George, the dynamic within the team shifts, allowing Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to maximize their roles, with George serving as a crucial third scoring option. This restructuring aims to optimize Embiid’s performance, particularly in the postseason.
By managing Maxey’s contract extension to maintain a lower cap hit, the team successfully signed impactful players like George and Caleb Martin, and brought back Andre Drummond. Martin’s four-year, $32 million deal underscores his value as a versatile role player, while Drummond provides a strong rebounding presence. Veteran Eric Gordon, acquired on a minimum deal, adds depth to the lineup, complementing the re-signings of Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, which solidify the bench.
This season, the Sixers are poised not just to compete, but to challenge for the top, especially if Embiid and George stay healthy.
Former Duke basketball player Jared McCain reportedly has pulmonary contusions after a fall during Wednesday’s NBA preseason game.
Former Duke basketball star and Philadelphia 76ers rookie [autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag] needed to exit a Wednesday NBA preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets after he landed hard on his back during a rebound effort, an anxious scene that resulted in the team training staff helping him off the court.
According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes on Thursday, McCain was diagnosed with pulmonary contusions (bruises on his lungs) but he was safely discharged from the hospital.
“Will be re-evaluated today for concussion but there’s optimism the rookie avoided a serious injury,” Haynes wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
McCain, a first-round pick in this summer’s NBA draft, had impressed the Philadelphia staff with his offseason performance thus far. While top names like former MVP Joel Embiid, former MVP finalist Paul George, and 2023-24 Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey would assuredly keep McCain out of the starting five, he was expected to get consistent minutes and still should if he makes an easy recovery.
According to a Friday report from The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Jared McCain has impressed the Philadelphia coaching staff thus far.
[autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag] won’t play basketball at Cameron Indoor Stadium this season, but the former Blue Devil is still turning heads at the next level.
According to a Friday report from The Athletic’s Tony Jones, the first-round pick has impressed the Philadelphia 76ers staff and roster through the offseason.
“The rookie out of Duke has been the talk of training camp and the preseason so far,” Jones wrote. “Multiple team sources indicate McCain has played extremely well in camp, especially on offense. He’s played without fear, but most importantly, with patience and aplomb.”
While the former Blue Devil likely won’t work his way into the starting lineup on a team with stars like Tyrese Maxey and Paul George handling the ball, it sounds like McCain will make routine appearances.
“He’s a guy that can find himself space to get open, got a pretty decent drive game on top of it,” Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse said in Jones’ report. “Best thing is, I think he plays hard, he’s super engaged on both ends, but he provides a 3-point threat, quick release, all of that stuff, so it’s really important.”
The Sixers make their regular-season debut against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 23.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie and TikTok star Jared McCain spoke to USA TODAY’s For The Win.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain will bring his infectious energy from Duke to the pros during his NBA career.
McCain, who was selected with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is also widely known for his popular TikTok account. With more than 3 million followers on the social media platform, he often shares a fresh and candid perspective on his life as a professional basketball player.
“I think my social media persona displays a certain side of me,” McCain told USA TODAY’s For The Win. “But I’m a hard-working player doing what I need to do on the court to help my team win. So if that’s being a dog or however people see my game, I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team win.”
McCain isn’t yet sure how his TikTok presence will impact how other pros play against him.
But he is excited to find out when the regular-season begins and he is matched up against the elite of the elite.
“I don’t know how other NBA players view me,” McCain added. “But we will just see when we get out there and play.”
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
What can you share about your offseason?
(Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
McCain: I had to get a place in Philly and get moved in and do all the little things I had to do to move into my own spot. I definitely had to work on my game. I was watching film with coaches and by myself and stayed in the gym. I was doing stuff I will be doing this season: Catch and shoot, a lot of stuff I’ve been doing my whole life, but perfecting it as much as I can to play this season. Coming into the NBA, there is so much unknown. So for me, it’s doing a little bit of everything but mostly focusing on my main role as a catch-and-shoot guy in the corners when they go and double Paul George or Joel Embiid or Tyrese Maxey. I’m going to be able to make that catch-and-shoot shot. I’m obviously always trying to be a primary ball handler so I’m trying to perfect that and come off ball screens and make the right reads. I’m trying to learn as much as I can and get that catch-and-shoot perfected.
How were your workouts with your new teammates?
McCain: The workouts were really cool. It was really cool getting to know them and see how they actually work and how they play. We had some training with the team separately and then we played at the Rico Hines runs. It was really cool to get to know them and talk to them because these are people I will spend a lot of time with in this long season. So it was really cool to see Paul George catch the ball in the mid-post and shoot a jumper. That was cool for me. One of my strengths is being able to adapt to any situation so I’m excited to learn my role, whatever it’s going to be. Obviously, there are things you think will happen and it may not be that. But I’ll be ready. I have a quick release. If my man leaves to go double one of them, I’m ready to knock that down.
How was it meeting Paul George as a guest on his podcast?
McCain: It’s pretty crazy that he’s my teammate considering I’ve watched him since I was in middle school. It was pretty surreal to meet him before the podcast was recorded. I’ve watched his podcast before, so going on it was amazing for me. Sometimes, it doesn’t feel real that I’m in the NBA. I walk in the locker room and I see Joel Embiid’s locker or Paul George’s locker. It’s so crazy to me. But it’s obviously really fun getting to see them up close and learn from them. It will probably feel real when I’m in the locker room and putting on my Philadelphia 76ers jersey and getting ready for a regular-season game will be wild.
What are your expectations for Duke this season?
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
McCain: Oh yeah. I’m very excited to watch them. It’s so weird just being a fan now and not a player even though I was only there for a few months. But I’m really excited. The practices I’ve seen, they look good. I’m just super excited to watch them play this season. It’s basically like my second home. It’s not too far from Philly. Getting to know the other Duke players in the NBA when I was there, they would come back. Jayson Tatum would come play pickup with us. It’s so cool that there are so many Duke players in the NBA that I’m able to talk to and ask for advice.
Patrick Beverley gave you advice. What other advice have you received from pros?
(Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
McCain: A lot of stuff I’ve asked players, they say I need to continue to be myself. You don’t have to put on a show for anyone else. Always stay true to yourself. Have fun with it. That just reiterates what I always do for myself. I always try to have fun and joy on the court. So to have people who have been there and done that tell me that it’s exactly what I need to do gives me more confidence for sure.
Have you and Tyrese Maxey talked about bringing positivity to the backcourt?
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
McCain: We haven’t talked about that, specifically, but a lot of people have mentioned it to me throughout this facility being on the 76ers with him. It’s really cool to have someone positive like him who I can go to for any help and any advice I need. He has been through a situation like mine and he is someone who I am trying to emulate exactly, both with what he does and how he has done it.
What is something that inspires you about Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham?
McCain: Just watching somebody as young as he is dominate how he does, I always love that. He always does it with a smile on his face, too. The stuff he does off the pitch is really to see and something I’m trying to do as well. I love seeing young players thrive and have success early.
How have you liked your move to Philadelphia so far?
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
McCain: The city vibe is a little bit different. I haven’t had too much time to just explore yet but I’m excited to start doing that and see what Philly has to offer. I’ve tried some cheesesteaks. I’ve tried Angelo’s, which was really good. I tried a Chinese restaurant and I’ve probably already had it like five times. Once I get one place I like, I try to stick to it for a long time. I’m definitely willing to try some new things. I want to do more exploring.
If you could make a TikTok with anyone in the NBA, who would it be?
McCain: [Laughs] Probably Stephen Curry! It would be pretty cool to get Curry in a TikTok. Maybe I’ll see one day. I’d have to meet him and get to talk to him a little more about that.
You had a TikTok about journaling in Lyft cars. Do you actually do that?
McCain: It’s funny. Being in Philly, I’m not a big driver out there. It’s pretty easy being able to Lyft and journal in the car. I’m able to do that on the way back to my place or on the way to work. It’s my daily routine, which is journaling and meditation and breathing work and visualization. I also talk to a psychologist. I do all different types of things to help my mind and exercise my mind to get it in peak performance. I’ve said it many times: If my mental health is not right, I’m not going to play the best that I can. So I’m always trying to take care of my mental health, especially playing in the NBA. Everything you do is under a microscope.
Have you gotten recognized much around the city in a Lyft or otherwise?
McCain: That happens a bunch, actually. Especially when I’m going to the facility. It won’t say 76ers practice facility as a destination but it will say that once you get close. The drivers have sometimes said: “Wait, are you a player?” I’m like, uh, yeah. Then sometime they’ll know, like, exactly who I am. Then sometimes they’ll be like: “Oh my goodness!” and ask what number I am going to wear. It’s pretty funny when it happens but they’ve always been cool and it’s pretty easy and pretty nice.
Dikembe Mutombo was such a larger than life presence that it is hard to believe that he is gone.
Dikembe Mutombo was such a larger than life presence that it is hard to believe that he is gone.
The beloved big man, who died at 58, was one of the most memorable players in league history. His iconic finger was celebration made him an unforgettable presence in the basketball world.
He was an incredibly accomplished player who made eight All-Star appearances and won NBA Defensive Player of the Year four time in his career.
While there are so many highlights during his time on the court, here are a few of the all-time best moments he had in an NBA uniform:
While many remember him for his impact on the game, others may recall that he was the star of a particularly memorable commercial. Mutombo starred in an ad for GEICO in which he blocked various everyday items into oblivion.
RIP Dikembe Mutombo — legendary player, philanthropist, and star of the greatest commercial ever: pic.twitter.com/j027X6kxlC
During this ad, which released in February 2013, he blocked shots in the real world. The idea is that the way he played the game, winning four Defensive Player of the Year awards, made him so genuinely happy.
He also used his catchphrases like “no, no, no” as well as “not in my house” and “not today” with his amazing laugh, shattering everything in his sight and running away with child-like joy.
This commercial was amazing and so was Mutombo. He will be missed dearly.
Welcome to Layup Lines, For the Win’s basketball newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Have feedback for the Layup Lines Crew? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey. Now, here’s Mike Sykes
Happy Friday, folks! Welcome back to Layup Lines. Thanks so much for joining me today. I hope you had a great week and have an even better weekend ahead of you.
I know one person who definitely does: Joel Embiid.
The 76ers star player has to be swimming in pools of cash at this point. Embiid reportedly signed a three-year, $193 million extension with the 76ers on Friday, according to the latest from The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The deal keeps Embiid locked in with the 76ers through his prime. By the end of the deal he’ll be 35 years old. We don’t know how long it’ll be until he retires, obviously, but he’ll have given his best years to Philadelphia.
This is a no-brainer deal for Daryl Morey and the 76ers. Embiid is arguably the best player in the NBA when healthy. His 34.1 Player Efficiency Rating last season was on track to be the highest in a single NBA season by far before injuries disqualified him from going down in the history books. You don’t let a player like that walk out the door.
But, still, the deal is quite risky despite how good he is. Why? You already know the answer. It’s because of his health.
Again, Embiid is arguably the best player in the NBA when healthy. But the problem is his health is always a question. He’s never played more than 68 games in a single season. Last year, he only played 39 total after tearing his meniscus before the All-Star break. That’s not ideal for a player a team will be investing more than $60 million into.
With that said, the 76ers should be more than comfortable with this deal, injury history aside.
The first reason is obvious: He’s awesome. We don’t need to go over that again. But this team is also built to withstand a significant injury to their star player. As best as it can, anyway.
The 76ers have two All-Stars in Tyrese Maxey and, the team’s newest addition, Paul George. Behind them are solid rotation players who’ve contributed to teams that have made deep playoff runs, like Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, Reggie Jackson, and more. Philadelphia also retained Kelly Oubre, who made key contributions to keep the team afloat after Embiid went down last season.
Obviously, it isn’t ideal for a team’s best player to go down — especially not when that player is as good as Embiid is. But if there’s a roster that might withstand a bit of that impact, it’s this one.
The 76ers are in a great spot and should be considered a championship contender moving through this extension with Embiid.
Are the Winds a’changin’?
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
We’ve all been wondering who Adrian Wojnarowski’s replacement at ESPN might be now that he’s retired.
Apparently, however, ESPN’s search might not branch out too far. According to Front Office Sports, many around the industry believe Woj’s replacement is already at the company. Brian Windhorst shouldn’t be overlooked, writes FOS’s Michael McCarthy.
“Charania may want to tread carefully in negotiations, since ESPN has its own deep roster of NBA insiders and analysts. Start with Brian Windhorst. He’s covered LeBron James since high school. “He’s criminally underrated,” said one source. In fact, sources whisper Wojnarowski’s departure could pave the way for Windhorst’s ascension, that the feeling in some circles is he’s been held back by Woj’s outsized presence.”
Windhorst has been a staple at ESPN for years — he even pre-dates Wojnarowski at the company. It wouldn’t be shocking if he’s the one who the company relies on for most of its scoops following Woj’s retirement. That’s essentially how it was before, even if it wasn’t at the breakneck pace that things are now.
OK, this is a little complicated, so bear with us.
There’s a lot of chatter about Tyrese Maxey and who he’s dating, and then how that person was connected to struggling Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young.
Let’s start with Maxey. The Philadelphia 76ers star was spotted on Monday night at the Eagles game with a woman who people have think is Myra Gordon. As for Young? There were rumors that the former Alabama basketball player had dated the former Crimson Tide QB.
Does this mean that Maxey is dating Gordon? We don’t know if they’re officially official, but the buzz and speculation will continue, no doubt.
