Jared McCain continues to root for Sixers amid 2026 NBA playoffs

For Sixers fans, McCain's endearing comments felt bittersweet. Even with Philadelphia's Round 1 upset, the fanbase remains bitter towards their front office for trading away the 22-year-old to the Oklahoma City Thunder in one of the bigger mid-season moves this year.

It felt like McCain never got a fair chance in Philadelphia. He had a fast start to his NBA career last season before a torn meniscus in Dec. 2024 sidelined him the rest of the way. And then a torn thumb ligament this past training camp buried him on the depth chart.

With Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, McCain was put in a bench role. Instead of letting him chill on the bench, they flipped him for a handful of low-quality draft picks to the Thunder. Since his arrival, he's been a seamless fit as a bench scorer.

McCain had his first real playoff moment in OKC's 108-90 Game 1 win over the Lakers. He scored 12 points off the bench. Helping overcome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's off-night, the microwave scorer drilled three outside jumpers in the fourth quarter to put the game away.

It's cool to see McCain not let being blindsided by the trade ruin his experience in Philadelphia. Even if he was only there for a little over a year, it's obvious that sentiments remain strong there. Makes sense. After all, you never really forget your first job or NBA home in his case.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Jared McCain continues to root for Sixers amid 2026 NBA playoffs