Duke guard Jared McCain is set to bring floor spacing and toughness to the NBA.
The 2024 NBA Draft Lottery is less than a month away and the Portland Trail Blazers possess the No. 7 and No. 14 selections in the first round. While Portland’s slide in the lottery is disappointing on the surface, the 2024 class offers similar prospect quality throughout the first 10 picks. Basically, the Blazers have a legitimate shot at the same caliber player for a cheaper price after landing at No. 7 in the lottery.
In this class, a wide range of prospects could hear their name called prior to Portland’s turn on the clock. Conversely, any player not named Alex Sarr could easily slide to No. 7 on draft night.
We continue our 2024 NBA Draft Profiles series with Duke guard Jared McCain.
Jared McCain
Height: 6’3”
WT: 203
Wingspan: 6’3.5”
Shooting Hand: Right
Position: G
Age: 20
Projected draft range: 10-16
2023-24 Statistics
PTS: 14.3 | Per 40: 18.1
REB: 5.0 | Per 40: 6.4
AST: 1.9 | Per 40: 2.4
STL: 1.1 | Per 40: 1.3
FG%: 46.2
3P%: 41.4
FT%: 88.5
Strengths
McCain’s scoring touch and defensive intensity combine to make him one of the top two-way prospects in the 2024 class. Offensively, McCain kept Duke’s floor spacing even with his catch-and-shoot accuracy from beyond the arc. Without the ball in his hands, McCain maintained spacing, rotated to the correct areas, and knocked down three-pointers when the ball arrived. In transition, McCain has a smooth, NBA-ready pull-up shot. He routinely connected on deep three-pointers early in possessions. Inside the arc, McCain gets to his spots with his strength and expert use of angles. He keeps opponents off balance with his pace and he isn’t afraid to power through contact with the opportunity arrives. When he isn’t scoring, McCain is a willing passer that reads opposing defenses effectively.
Defensively, McCain is a tenacious on-ball defender. Buoyed by his solid core strength, he holds his position, cuts off lanes, and fights through screens successfully. McCain carefully balances opportunity and proper positioning when going for steals. Inside the arc, McCain isn’t bullied by other guards and he is an above average rebounder for a player his size.
Weaknesses
McCain lack of length and explosive athleticism place a relatively firm ceiling over his upside. Defensively, McCain will be limited to picking up perimeter assignments. Offensively, McCain’s strength and craftiness will lose its effectiveness against veteran defenders. Outside of his frame and athleticism, McCain was at his best in spot-up chances during his time at Duke. Due to that role, McCain did not get a chance to prove that he can serve as a primary facilitator.
Overall Assessment
McCain is a high-floor prospect with proven skills that typically translate to the NBA. His outside shooting should allow him to serve as a floor spacer in multiple lineups. On the flip side, McCain’s lack of height and explosiveness could push into a fairly predictable role as an outside specialist. Defensively, McCain has all the traits that coaching staffs love. He is engaged, tough, and relentless.
Overall Fit
Yes. McCain is a guard. Due to his position and the Blazers’ current roster construction, keeping an open mind about McCain’s potential fit is a tough task. Those doubts aside, McCain possesses skills that could offset Portland’s weaknesses at the position. McCain is a proven shooter and knows how to get into the correct position on the floor. Due to his ability to score off the ball, he could fit inside several lineup combinations in both the present and the future.
From an upside standpoint, McCain certainly looks the part of a low-risk, high-floor player. If the Blazers are looking for a big swing at a different position, there are other options available.
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