Categories: Sports

76ers select Jared McCain in latest ESPN Mock Draft

The 2024 NBA Draft is just two days away. Ahead of one of basketball’s most exciting events, ESPN released their latest two-round NBA Mock Draft, which mocked the 76ers’ selections at 16 and 41 while also including quite the note about the potential for Philadelphia to move the pick.

Before diving into the selection, Givony detailed the 76ers’ predraft process, or rather lack thereof, and how that could be a sign of the direction the team takes on draft night:

“The Sixers are known to have conducted only a handful of workouts, possibly the fewest of any team drafting in the first round. That info has caused some speculation that this pick could be on the move, depending on which player falls to No. 16.”

Philadelphia 76ers’ Daryl Morey speaks during a news conference before an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

It’s no secret that trading the pick has long been considered. Daryl Morey acknowledged this at his end-of-season press conference and has historically set the precedent that he values “win now” players over draft upside. With Joel Embiid’s oft-mention championship window, it’s not hard to blame him either.

With the 16th pick, the Philadelphia 76ers select…

Duke’s Jared McCain (0) gestures after making a 3-point shot during the first half of a second-round college basketball game against James Madison in the NCAA Tournament Sunday, March 24, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Should Philadelphia keep the pick, Givony has them taking sharpshooter Jared McCain out of Duke University. The 6’3″ guard displayed strong offensive upside and shooting versatility in his lone season for the Blue Devils.

On the selection, Givony pointed to McCain’s ability to blend into nearly any roster situation:

“Regardless of who is picking, McCain has an easy niche he can fill in the NBA with his scoring versatility, basketball instincts, competitiveness and smarts, making him an attractive option for teams drafting in this range.”

While Philadelphia appears increasingly likely to move off of the 16th pick, there are multiple players who could contribute right away should they opt to use the pick. McCain is certainly among those names as a player who adds not only much-needed shooting but could potentially have some unrealized talent as a playmaker.

The 2024 NBA Draft is set for Wednesday, June 26, at 8 p.m. Be sure to follow along at Philly Sports Network for the latest updates.

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