The Oklahoma City Thunder decided to trade some of their valuable future draft picks to bring in Jared McCann via trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. McCann has yet to recapture the heights he hit during his incredible, yet short, rookie season in Philly, but it looks like he's on the way back, if his recent contributions to his new team are any indication.
On Tuesday night, the Thunder's first night of back-to-back sets without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, head coach Mark Daigneault had to rely on McCann for an extra offensive boost. That's exactly what McCann provided, scoring 20 points off the bench to lead OKC in scoring. He shot 8-15 from the field (4-9 from deep) and did everything OKC expected of him and more.
After the game, Daigneault revealed how McCain become a valuable weapon For Thunder.
"I mean the word is 'consistency'. I think he really has everything consistent. He's a consistent guy day in and day out. He's a great worker. He makes consistent plays, he never gets out of his game. He's always ready to play," Daigneault said in his postgame presser, via Adam M. Francisco of Suave Report.
Asked Mark Daigneault what he's seen behind the scenes from Jared McCain that contributed to their integration in such a short time. pic.twitter.com/PnBuAOO0T6
- Adam M. Francisco (@SuaveCEO_) 4 March 2026
Every good Jared McCain Thunder game is like a stab in the heart for 76ers fans
With the way McCann stepped up during a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, he quickly became a fan favorite in Philly. He was cut short due to a torn meniscus, but he seemed to have a place in the team for the long term.
Instead, the 76ers traded him to the Houston Rockets for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round draft picks, so they could also avoid the luxury tax. At just 22 years old, McCann is looking like a savior for the Thunder – 76ers fans are seeing a repeat of the mistake the team made when they let Isaiah Joe go.
