The Philadelphia 76ers faced their fourth consecutive defeat as they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans, losing 126-111. The Sixers struggled particularly in the third quarter and had a disappointing shooting performance from beyond the arc, converting only 26% of their three-point attempts—making just 12 of 46. Tyrese Maxey had a tough night, shooting 2-for-11 from three-point range.
Since the beginning of February, Maxey has been shooting 31% from long range, while teammate Kelly Oubre Jr. has been marginally better at 33%, leaving the team in a precarious position due to the absence of key players Joel Embiid and Paul George. This has limited their offensive capabilities significantly.
On February 5, just before the trade deadline, the Sixers traded Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a first-round pick in 2026 and three second-round picks. Daryl Morey, the Sixers’ president of basketball operations, expressed confidence in the decision, suggesting they “sold high” on McCain, who had limited minutes early in the season after struggling with injuries.
Interestingly, McCain showed signs of his potential just before his trade, shooting an impressive 57.7% from three in his last six games with Philadelphia. Since joining the Thunder, McCain has continued to develop, achieving a 45% shooting rate from three in his initial five games, including a notable 21-point outing against the Nets where he made three three-pointers.
Reflecting on his experience with the Thunder, McCain remarked about the supportive environment he has found, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn from seasoned athletes. “I’m just super thankful to be in this organization,” he said. “It’s truly a blessing to come here and be able to have people who have succeeded at the highest level of basketball.”
As the Sixers grapple with their offensive strategy without Embiid, the performance of McCain could serve as a stark reminder of the challenges they face, as well as the unpredictability of player development post-trade. The team will need to find a way to regain their shooting consistency if they hope to turn their fortunes around.