Mark Daigneault reveals how Jared McCain became a formidable weapon
The Oklahoma City Thunder decided to trade several of his valuable future draft picks bring in Jared McCain via trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. McCain still hasn’t recaptured the heights he reached during his incredible, but brief, rookie season in Philly, but he appears to be on the way back, if his recent contributions to his new team are any indication.
On Tuesday evening, with Thunder without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the first night of a back-to-back set, the head coach Mark Daigneault had to rely on McCain for additional offensive reinforcements. That’s exactly what McCain provided, scoring 20 points off the bench to lead OKC in scoring. He shot 8-15 from the field (4-9 from deep) and was everything OKC expected of him and more.
After the game, Daigneault revealed how McCain had become a valuable weapon for Thunder.
“I think the word is ‘consistency.’ I just think he has a really consistent everything. He’s a consistent guy day in and day out. He’s a great worker. He plays consistently, never gets off his game. He’s always ready to play,” Daigne said in his postgame presser. Report by Francie Sue Addam.
Asked Marc Daigneault about what he’s seen behind the scenes from Jared McCain that contributes to his integration in such a short time. pic.twitter.com/PnBuAOO0T6
— Adam M. Francisco (@SuaveCEO_) March 4, 2026
Every good Jared McCain Thunder game is a dagger to the heart of a 76ers fan
McCain quickly became a fan favorite in Philly for the way he stepped up during their disastrous 2024-25 campaign. That was cut short by a torn meniscus, but it looked like he had a place on the team for the long haul.
Instead, the 76ers traded him for the Houston Rockets’ 2026 first-round pick and three second-round draft picks just so they could avoid the luxury tax. At just 22 years old, McCain looks like a keeper for the Thunder — with 76ers fans seeing encore of the mistake the team made in letting Isaiah Joe go.
2026-03-04 06:14:00
