76ers rookie Jared McCain reveals surprising fact that gives him jitters

The Philadelphia 76ers are just a month away from kicking off training camp and commencing what should be a very eventful season. Fans can — and should — look forward to the new-look squad bringing the fireworks in the 2024-25 campaign as the franchise has its eyes on the prize, a culmination of years of the team falling short of its ultimate goal.

An addition in particular that 76ers fans should keep an eye on is rookie guard Jared McCain, the uber-electric scorer who was drafted 16th overall by Philly in the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite standing as an aberration in such a veteran-laden club, the Duke alum is expected to fight for consistent minutes and a considerable role in his first foray into the NBA.

Having said that, one thing in particular has already been giving him the jitters

76ers rookie Jared McCain reveals he hasn’t met Joel Embiid yet

In the latest episode of Podcast P with Paul George, the 76ers rookie bared that he has yet to meet Joel Embiid, one of his newest teammates. According to him, he hasn’t heard a “peep” from the superstar, who is just coming off a Gold Medal finish in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

McCain, who also happens to be an ever-so-famous star on Tiktok, admits that his lack of communication with Embiid so far has made him nervous, especially given that he has already spent time with Tyrese Maxey, and obviously, George.

However, George, while being a new face in Philly himself, assured him that he’ll get along just fine with the 76ers superstar. He also gave a piece of advice to the rookie, telling him that he also needs to foster a sense of leadership even as one of the youngest cogs on the team.

Just be authentic, man. We’re going to gravitate around you. You’re going to gravitate around us. It’s a long year; what you will realize is this isn’t college anymore where it’s 30 games. It’s eighty f****** two games, plus playoffs, plus preseason, it’s a long f—ing year. Just be a sponge, man, be yourself. Be a leader as well. Don’t look at it that just because you’re the youngest one on the team, where you’re a rookie that, you can’t lead in the locker room, lead on the court, lead in practice.

McCain does have the stylings of someone who should be able to gel quickly with Embiid, both on and off the court. Hopefully, both players connect soon, with the 2023 MVP compelled to make an appearance on one of the rookie’s Tiktok dance crazes.

After all, Joel is indeed a big kid.