The play of Jared McCain has been silver lining amid sluggish start for 76ers

To say that the start of the 2024-25 NBA season hasn't gone smoothly for the Philadelphia 76ers would be an understatement.

Through 12 games of action, the Sixers sit second-to-last in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 2-10. Star center Joel Embiid has been limited to just two games due to injury issues and a suspension, and he hasn't looked great when he's been out on the floor. The big guy has converted just seven of his 26 shot attempts and just one of his 10 attempts from long range.

Meanwhile, new addition Paul George has only played in six games due to injury isssues of his own, and his production has been underwhelming. He's averaged just 16.5 points per performance while shooting below 40 percent from the field. Other veteran additions like Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson haven't panned out either, and rising star guard Tyrese Maxey is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Head coach Nick Nurse gets the benefit of the doubt, for now, given all of the various absences and the newness of the roster, but the Sixers haven't looked like a well-coached, cohesive unit on either side of the ball so far.

Really, the only silver lining of the Sixers season to this point is the play of rookie guard Jared McCain, who has thrived in an increased role in recent weeks. McCain was used sparingly early in the season, but he's got over 30 minutes of action in Philadelphia's last five games, and he's made the most out of the opportunity.

During that five-game stretch, McCain has averaged over 26 points per performance on efficient shooting splits, while also showing off his penchant for playmaking. In the process, he became just the second Sixers rookie ever to make at least three 3-pointers in five consecutive games, joining Allen Iverson. He also became just the fifth rookie in franchise history to score 20-plus points in four consecutive games, joining Iverson, Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, Jerry Stackhouse and Clarence Weatherspoon (h/t Sixers Stats). 

McCain has shot to the top of the Rookie of the Year conversation thanks to his productive play, and many sites now have him listed as a favorite to win the award.

In addition to being a very productive player, McCain also approaches the game with an energy and enthusiasm that the Sixers desperately need. On a team full of established veterans that are older, McCain's exuberance is refreshing. His on-court demeanor belies his jovial off-court personality. The dude is a killer who will drop 30 on you and then make a TikTok video about it afterwards.

He also has the right attitude. When asked if he thought that he should be a full-time starter moving forward in light of his productive play, McCain provided an answer that should be music to the ears of a head coach.

"Not quite, not quite," McCain said. "Just visualize winning basketball games and finding my role. Whatever I can to help this team win, no matter what it is, I’m going to visualize that."

Whether or not McCain continues to serve as a starter when the Sixers are at full strength will ultimately be up to Nick Nurse, but one thing is for sure: McCain definitely deserves to be an integral part of the rotation. 

Follow Michael Kaskey-Blomain on X @therealmikekb.