Sixers Draft TikTok Sensation McCain at 16
The NBA Draft took place last night in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and the Sixers danced the night away – literally. The team used their only first-round pick, the 16th selection, on Duke guard Jared McCain. It was safe to say that whoever drafted McCain would be in for additional storylines, as the 20 year old has made a name for himself off the court as well, currently sitting at 2.8 million followers on TikTok.
How He Can Help The Sixers
McCain, listed at 6’2 197 pounds, brings a dynamic to the Sixers on the offensive end that has been lacking for years – a reliable outside shooter. He shot 46% from the field and 41% from three during his only season at Duke, including 50% from three in the NCAA tournament, where the Blue Devils fell to ACC rival North Carolina State in the Elite Eight. McCain impressed many including NBA scouts during that game, scoring 32 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and making 5 three pointers on the biggest stage of his career. On the other end of the floor, McCain has gained a reputation as a gritty, hard-nosed defender, averaging just over one steal a game last season.
Coming off of a stellar freshman season in which he averaged 14.3 points per game including six 20-point games and three 30-point games, McCain will have the pleasure of learning from NBA All-Stars Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. As for his exuberant persona, he says “It’s my natural emotion to be happy, be joyful, and so there’s no reason to change that when I’m on the court. I’m always going to embrace the challenge obviously, but I’m going to have fun with it.” Expect to see plenty of TikTok’s from from within the Wells Fargo Center and the Sixers’ Practice Facility in Camden.
TikToker, Hooper, or Both?
Alongside the on-court qualities that McCain can contribute to the Sixers, his personality off the court has also helped him gain recognition. His TikTok popularity rose significantly during Duke’s aforementioned run to the Elite Eight, immediately posting dancing videos in the locker room following games. It was also common to see him dancing and filming videos on Duke’s campus in Durham, NC. He has also raised headlines for painting his nails, something that has been scrutinized. In April, McCain used his TikTok to announce a partnership with Sally Hansen, the drugstore nail care brand known for its nail polishes and strengthening treatments.
The Sixers, who have been eliminated from the playoffs in the first or second round in each of the last seven seasons, will be looking for a spark to help them get over the hump. It would be an understatement to say that the state of the Sixers has been dull and dreary the last several years. Dare I say McCain’s radiant personality may be what they need to lighten the mood within the team?
10 Philadelphia 76ers Retired Numbers & 3 More That Deserve It
#2 Moses Malone
Hall of Famer Moses Malone played only five of his 19 NBA seasons in Philadelphia. He didn’t need much time to become a franchise legend though. He led the 1982-83 76ers in scoring with both Julius Erving and Andrew Toney on the floor.
The addition of Malone pushed a contending team into greatness. He won the NBA Finals MVP Award in 1983 after the Sixers swept the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers.
#3 Allen Iverson
The Sixers selected the 6-foot-0 guard from Georgetown in 1996 to end the dormant period after the Charles Barkley trade in 1992. Allen Iverson won four scoring titles and led the 76ers to an appearance in the 2001 NBA Finals.
He is one of the best players in franchise history and one of the most beloved Philadelphia athletes of all time.
#6 Julius Erving
Dr. J wasn’t the best basketball player who ever lived, but he might’ve been the smoothest. He played his first of 11 seasons with the Sixers in 1976-77 after a five-year stint in the ABA.
He earned 16 total All-Star appearances and four MVP Awards during a career that cemented his legacy in the top tier of all-time Philadelphia 76ers.
#10- Maurice Cheeks
Cheeks averaged 12.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in 11 seasons with the Sixers. However, his lockdown defense and loveable persona earned him a place in history as a 76ers icon. It’s tough to find anyone with a bad thing to say about Mo Cheeks.
#13- Wilt Chamberlain
Chamberlain played 277 of his 1045 career games with the Sixers. The Overbrook native revolutionized the sport at every stop of his career on the hardwood. It’s easier to measure NBA records in modern times if you exclude the outrageous statistical career of the most dominant basketball player of all time.
#15- Hal Greer
Dolph Schayes passed the torch to Hal Greer as the centerpiece of the relocated 76ers. Greer earned 10 consecutive All-Star appearances through the decade of the 1960s. Per the team’s official website, he owns the top spot in franchise history in points scored, minutes played, field goals made, field goals attempted, games played, and personal fouls.
#32 Billy Cunnigham
Billy “The Kangaroo Kid” Cunningham played all nine of his NBA seasons with the Sixers. He helped them to their first championship in Philadelphia in his second season in 1966-67. The Hall of Famer and five-time All-Star also spent eight seasons as the Sixers head coach and reached the NBA Finals four times.
#34 Charles Barkley
The “Round Mound of Rebound” spent the first eight of his 16 NBA seasons with the 76ers.
The story of Charles Barkley in Philadelphia doesn’t have the best ending. His relationship with the organization began to sour, and they dealt him to the Phoenix Suns for a regrettable return package in 1992. It doesn’t ruin the legacy of an outstanding player who averaged 20+ points and 10+ rebounds seven times as a member of the Sixers.
#21 Joel Embiid
When Matt Cord announces Joel “The Process” Embiid, the goosebumps circulate through the bodies of the Philadelphia home crowd. The 7-foot-0 center has displayed one of the most overwhelming skill sets of any player in the modern NBA.
His track record since his rookie season in 2016-17 already qualifies him for a future number retirement ceremony, but he certainly isn’t satisfied without the elusive NBA Championship.
#0 Tyrese Maxey
The Sixers got an absolute steal with the 21st-overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Tyrese Maxey has a chance to join the all-time greats if he becomes the Robin to Joel Embiid’s Batman.
His loveable persona and his story of blowing expectations out of the water have made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia. The Wells Fargo Center ceiling is the limit.
#22 Andrew Toney
A fallout with the organization has probably impacted the decision not to retire the #22 for Andrew Toney. The player and the organization had some hostility in the late 1980s, but Toney’s legacy as “The Boston Strangler” should outweigh any hard feelings.
Both Toney and the Sixers can take a page from the book of Eric Lindros and the Flyers by burying the hatchet in the spirit of honoring a successful overall body of work for a deserving player.
