Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain is still working his way back from major injuries as he tore the meniscus in his left knee as well as the UCL in his right thumb. The second-year guard is continuing to work things out, but he’s shooting only 32.5% from deep in 22 gams thus far.
McCain is known for his shooting. He shot 38.3% from deep as a rookie before the meniscus tear ended his maiden NBA season after just 23 games. The 2024 No. 16 pick out of Duke knows that things will change for him, but he’s just going to keep working.
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«I’m not gonna fix anything to change anything with my shot,» McCain told reporters. «And again, I’ve been out for a whole year, so still going to take some time to figure it out. I think there’s some I can even take more, some open shots, and choosing to drive instead of knocking down a shot I’ve knocked down forever. I’m going to continue shooting. So, I’m gonna continue to shoot it, and I know it’s gonna come.»
In terms of his role, the Sixers continue to bring him off the bench behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. He forms a dynamic duo with Quentin Grimes off the bench whenever he can find that rhythm and find a way to help Philadelphia get thigs moving in the right direction. He accepts it and just wants to help the Sixers in any way possible.
«That’s what I look at it anyway,» McCain added. «I want to provide a spark in any way possible. Whether it’s picking up full court, whether it’s getting rebounds, making shots, of course. Like, any way I can provide a spark on the court when coach calls my name, I’m ready to jump off the bench, and come in the game and do whatever I can to help us get a lead or extend it.»
As far as his health is concerned, McCain is still looking to get things moving in the right direction, but it’s going to take time.
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«I’m doing great,» he added. «I think a lot of it is like, I love to rebound, and I have to jump as high as I can, it’s not the highest, but I have to jump as high as I can when I’m trying to rebound, and I feel the past few games I’ve been able to do that. I feel comfortable doing that, but, yeah, mentally, I’m great.»
There are moments when he looks like himself, but then there are other moments when he’s clearly affected by the injury recovery. It’s part of the process.
«I’m just trying to figure it out,» he finished. «Still getting back and it’s still a process. There’s still days where the knee is sorer than other days, you kind of have to fight through it, because I want to play as many games I can. I’m doing great, though, figuring it out, giving myself grace as always, and just having fun with it as much as possible.»
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers’ Jared McCain talks health, shooting struggles in return
