In Friday’s nail-biting clash, the Philadelphia 76ers fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers with a close score of 117-115, and guard Jaden McCain’s absence from the game underscored his recent struggles. The second-year player did not see any action from the bench, a decision made by Head Coach Nick Nurse. This decision marks a continued trend, as McCain has spent considerable time on the sidelines, having only played fewer than 10 minutes in each of his last five outings.
The 76ers are currently focusing on maximizing their bench production by giving more significant minutes to both Quentin Grimes and a recuperated Kelly Oubre. This shift may pose challenges for McCain’s chances of regaining consistent playing time, especially as the team aims to solidify a strong rotation with their key players back in action.
McCain’s promising rookie season last year was dashed by knee surgery, and he began the current campaign recovering from a thumb operation. Since making his return in early November, he has faced difficulties returning to his previous form. Over 30 appearances this season, McCain has averaged 6.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while playing roughly 17.3 minutes per game. His shooting percentages also reflect his struggles, with only 35.4 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three-point range.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how McCain will adapt to the competition for minutes and whether he can reclaim a more significant role with the team. With continued support and an opportunity to refine his game, there’s hope that McCain can bounce back and contribute to the 76ers’ success in the future.