Jared McCain finally returned to the hardwood after almost an entire calendar year spent on rehabbing due to injury. Unfortunately, despite a very strong start, the Philadelphia 76ers could not get the job done, falling victim to the Chicago Bulls on the road thanks to a mighty comeback staged by the hosts, spoiling the sophomore’s much-awaited return.
Nick Nurse and the coaching staff rightfully decided to ease him back into action, trotting him out for only 15 minutes. And of course, there were very obvious signs of rust on the part of McCain, who missed all four of his shots, including two from three-point range, and ended the night being scoreless, though he did rack up a couple of dimes.
So long as he remains healthy moving forward, McCain is poised to get handed with a prominent role this season. The 76ers backcourt badly needs some balancing when it comes to the distribution of minutes, and having someone as talented as McCain coming off the bench will allow the coaching staff to give more leg room for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe to get more rest.
However, if anything, this game only proves one lesson which most 76ers fans have forgotten amid all the excitement surrounding McCain’s return.
The 76ers should fully allow Jared McCain to get his mojo back even amidst expected struggles
Of course, given the kind of campaign that McCain had during his rookie season, fans were expecting him to be a major player right away, even coming off injuries. However, that disposition certainly evades reason — the reality that McCain will once again face a steep learning curve in rediscovering himself as an up-and-coming star in the league.
McCain will struggle. That is a plain fact which the 76ers cannot conceal as he works himself back from injury. Guards typically have it tougher than other players when it comes to getting back their rhythm, especially coming off a major injury, and combined with the reality that the team will ease him back and be conservative with him, his numbers will probably look really modest to start things off.
That will likewise make it easier for defense to clamp on McCain, who certainly commands a lot of attention on that end with his innate three-level scoring talent. Fans will have to prepare themselves for the potential recurrence of poor shooting nights and meager play.
However, given how talented Jared McCain is, that should only be a temporary stretch. And when he finally gets his mojo back, all those struggles will just be another laughing matter for the 76ers.