Jared McCain, a 6-foot-3 guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, has developed an unconventional approach to scoring, particularly when finishing at the rim. As he navigates the challenges of his sophomore NBA season, McCain relies on an unusual layup package to compensate for his lack of vertical athleticism. His struggles have intensified following a meniscus tear last year, but he is determined to regain his peak performance and refine his unique finishing techniques.
McCain’s Unorthodox Finishing Techniques
Despite being undersized for a guard in the NBA, McCain has showcased an impressive array of scoop shots and “inside-hand layups.” These techniques allow him to score from angles that many players would shy away from. McCain explained that his unorthodox style was born out of necessity while growing up playing against his older brother, which forced him to innovate. “I always had to find a way to score on him that wasn’t a catch-and-shoot,” McCain shared after a recent practice.
As McCain continues to recover from his injury, he is working on utilizing these unconventional shot types to enhance his scoring. His ability to creatively finish at the basket has been vital, especially when traditional layups are not within reach. Currently, his shooting efficiency has suffered, but he remains focused on adapting his game.
Last season, McCain’s unique finishing style was a highlight of his scoring arsenal. This year, however, it has become a focal point of concern as he seeks to improve his performance on the court.
Embiid and the Sixers’ Big Lineup Strategy
In a recent game against the Brooklyn Nets, the 76ers implemented a double-big lineup featuring star center Joel Embiid alongside Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. This strategy was necessitated by injuries to key frontcourt players. Embiid played extended minutes with Bona, a move that raised questions about spacing and shooting proficiency.
After the game, Embiid expressed frustration with the team’s three-point shooting, stating, “If you’re not shooting well from three, it’s hard to get the right spacing because the defense collapses on everything.” Despite his efforts, including hitting his first corner three-pointer of the season and assisting Bona on two lob passes, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the lack of perimeter shooting.
Head coach Nick Nurse noted that the adjusted lineup was a trial solution given the team’s manpower deficiencies. Embiid commented on the necessity of continual adaptation: “It was worth a try, and if that’s going to happen again, we just need to keep working on it.”
As the Sixers navigate these adjustments, McCain’s ability to improve his scoring will be critical for the team’s overall success. While they find ways to adapt and innovate on the court, players like McCain and Walker must rise to the occasion.
Jabari Walker’s Impact on the Team
Jabari Walker, another player adjusting to the lineup changes, has demonstrated resilience despite a challenging shooting night. Known for his offensive rebounding skills, Walker’s contributions extend beyond simply scoring. He is averaging a career-high 4.7 offensive rebounds per 100 possessions this season, showcasing his ability to extend plays and create scoring opportunities.
Walker expressed gratitude for the mentorship he receives from veteran players like Andre Drummond and Joel Embiid. “I’ve never really seen [veteran leadership] to this extent,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of learning from experienced teammates. His situational awareness and instinctive play have made him a valuable asset to the Sixers’ rotation.
As the team adapts to new strategies and lineup configurations, the contributions of players like McCain, Embiid, and Walker will be essential in navigating the rigors of the NBA season. With a focus on improving shooting and maintaining strong defensive play, the 76ers aim to maximize their potential as they continue through the remainder of the season.
