For the most part, the 2024-25 season has been bereft of bright spots for the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently slotted in among the worst teams in the league despite having a robust collection of highly esteemed star players and veterans, the franchise has taken a huge step back this time around en route to a likely lottery finish.
Having said that, the main reason why that negative has some inhibitions is due to the emergence of Jared McCain this season as the NBA’s top rookie. Prior to a season-ending meniscus tear, the Duke standout was the indisputable favorite to win Rookie of the Year — and unprecedented development for the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
McCain alone has given Philadelphia something to look forward to for the future, even beyond the Joel Embiid era. In his 23 appearances before his injury, he registered 15.3 points and 2.6 assists per game on 46 percent shooting from the field, which also includes a 38.3 percent conversion rate from three-point territory — all while playing just 25.7 minutes per outing.
Media outlet disrespects 76ers rookie Jared McCain in latest NBA re-draft
The flamboyant rookie would have easily been Rookie of the Year were it not of for his injury, which disqualified him from the award, but it seems like not everyone is as high on him as a prospect for the future.
Bleacher Report recently dished its own NBA re-draft of last year’s class, but instead of McCain getting a lot of love, he was overtaken by someone who has barely even sniffed the court this season.
In the said piece, McCain was made the fourth overall pick, below top rookies Alex Sarr and Stephon Castle. But just above him was Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft who has been negligible so far.
Despite early season projections, Sheppard has been utterly disappointing. While victimized by a lack of playing time, he has not really done anything to force Houston to play him, averaging 3.5 points and 1.1 dimes per contest on a putrid 31.1 percent shooting from the field and a horrid 27.3 percent shooting from rainbow country.
So, what gives? In what world is Sheppard a greater prospect than McCain at this point? The former has peaked during the summer league and has done absolutely nothing meaningful for his ball club at this juncture.
The Philadelphia 76ers may not be getting any more love this season for reasons well-justified, but this one is too clear of a case of running with a foul agenda or gross homerism.
Come on, man.