Jared McCain's G League Assignment: A Glimpse into the Sixers Draft Pick's Season

Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain has yet to find stability in what was expected to be a pivotal second season. After a meniscus injury cut short a promising rookie campaign in December 2024, McCain entered the offseason positioned for a reset. Instead, another preseason setback delayed his return until November and disrupted any chance of early momentum. Since then, consistency has been elusive. Through 30 appearances, the former first-round pick is averaging 6.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 17.3 minutes per game, while struggling to find rhythm as a scorer. With his role fluctuating and confidence clearly a work in progress, the Sixers have again turned to the G League in search of answers. On Saturday, Philadelphia assigned McCain to its affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, marking his second G League stint of the season and another attempt to get him extended minutes away from the NBA spotlight. Philadelphia 76ers Search for Reset Button McCain suited up on Sunday night in a loss to the Noblesville Boom and endured a difficult outing that reflected the broader struggles of his season. In 30 minutes, he finished with 15 points, five rebounds and one steal, shooting 5-of-18 from the field and 2-of-9 from three-point range. More concerning was the lack of playmaking, as he recorded zero assists while committing six turnovers. The confidence and rhythm that defined parts of his rookie season now feel distant. Injuries have played a role, but roster dynamics have shifted as well. The rapid emergence of rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has pushed McCain further down the backcourt rotation, limiting opportunities. A recent report from Evan Sidery of Forbes indicated that rival teams have even begun inquiring about McCain’s availability ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Whether the Sixers would seriously entertain such conversations remains unclear, but the fact that rumors are circulating shows how unsettled his situation has become. G League Minutes Highlight Ongoing Struggles This isn’t McCain’s first stop in Delaware this season. His initial G League assignment came back in November, earlier in the season, and yielded mixed results at best. Over a three-day stretch, McCain appeared in two losses for the Blue Coats. In his G League debut, he posted 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting in 20 minutes, along with two rebounds, three assists and one steal. The following game brought a slightly more productive line, with 15 points, two rebounds and six assists in another 20 minute appearance, while shooting 6-of-13 from the field. Even then, perimeter shooting remained an issue. He went just 1-of-4 from deep in that second game, and across his G League appearances this season, all losses, he has converted only 3-of-17 attempts from beyond the arc. Just a season ago, McCain was averaging 15.3 points per game and shooting close to 40% from three in the NBA, briefly putting himself in Rookie of the Year conversations. That version of his game has yet to resurface. McCain is still early in his career, and the G League remains a space designed for recalibration rather than judgment. For now, Philadelphia appears focused on patience, betting that more reps, fewer expectations and time away from the spotlight can help a once promising guard find his footing again.