For the first time in NBA history, the league’s draft took place over a span of two days on June 26 and 27. With the 16th and 41st selections, the Philadelphia 76ers added two new players in guard Jared McCain and center Adem Bona.
Throughout the draft process, it was a question whether Philadelphia would make either of their selections, or if they would be traded in favor of veterans who fit the 76ers’ “win-now” agenda. Despite the team’s goal of competing for a championship this upcoming season, Philadelphia’s front office, led by president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, opted for the one and done freshman on round one.
Initially, that seems counter intuitive, but Morey doesn’t believe McCain’s youth will keep him from contributing.
“[McCain] checked every box. That’s why why we’re so high on him, in that he not only is someone who has the skill and the work ethic to get out there on the floor, [but] also playing in high level games,” Morey told the media after the first round of the draft. “[McCain’s] a combination of a guy who we think can get out a little quicker, and at the same time, [has] a lot of upside given his he’s very young and has a great work ethic.”
Some fans felt the team would have been better off pursuing a more “NBA-ready” talent. Specifically, Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht, who shockingly fell out of his projected spot near the top ten until the Lakers swooped in one pick after the 76ers selected McCain. It’s clear from Morey’s comments, that Philadelphia not only believes McCain can provide a similar level of production in year one, but as an added bonus, McCain, who is three years Knecht’s junior, has legitimate potential to grow in the future.
It’s not just Morey though who is excited about the potential of the newest 76ers. McCain and Bona both spoke in their official introductions on June 28. When ask about what they were looking to prove in their first year in the league, both rookies confidently
“In college, I played more of an off-ball role. So I think just being able to learn from Tyrese on-ball stuff and being able to how that I can be on the ball, make reads on pick-and-rolls.” McCain told Metro. “Defensively, that I’m willing to be that defender. Obviously, learning the team rotations [and] learning the defense. I think the mind is something a lot of people undervalue in this draft. Being able to figure out stuff, the IQ. I think I’m good at that. So I’m gonna try and to show that as much as I can in my rookie season.”
Bona shared his fellow rookies’ desire to prove himself defensively.
“One of the things I would love to show this year is to be able to do everything defensively, on ball, pick and roll, switching,” said Bona. “That’s one thing I think I would love to show my rookie year. Also, offensively, to be able to initiate plays get out to pick and roll and play fast, which is one of my strengths.”
Both McCain and Bona boast an elite skill, that being the former’s shooting ability and the latter’s defensive accumen and versatility. These traits will go a long way to helping these rookies in their adjustment to the NBA.
As uncertainty continues to surround the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster heading into next season, the opportunity could present itself for either or both of McCain and Bona to contribute in their rookie season. Much will still happen between now and then, but there appears to be an air of confidence in these players held by the Sixers’ organization and the players themselves that they can contribute should the need arise.
