The Philadelphia 76ers have made a surprising move, assigning young player Jared McCain to the Delaware Blue Coats in the NBA G League for what appears to be his second stint with the team this season. At just 21 years old, McCain has failed to recapture the form that made him a promising rookie, instead struggling mightily through two months of return from injuries.
Despite efforts by head coach Nick Nurse to give McCain extended playing time in an attempt to help him regain his rhythm, the results have been disappointing. With minutes dwindling for several games, it seemed inevitable that a trip back to the G League was on the horizon.
This is not a new development, as McCain previously spent two games with the Blue Coats in November and expressed appreciation for the opportunity at the time. It now seems like a necessary step if he fails to improve his play. When asked about possible assignments earlier this week, Nurse left the door open for such a move, but ultimately couldn't justify giving McCain rotation minutes as the 76ers reached full strength.
For McCain, the assignment represents a significant setback in what has been a disappointing sophomore campaign. The excitement of last season's performances, where he played only 23 games before injury, seems like a distant memory now.
Despite efforts by head coach Nick Nurse to give McCain extended playing time in an attempt to help him regain his rhythm, the results have been disappointing. With minutes dwindling for several games, it seemed inevitable that a trip back to the G League was on the horizon.
This is not a new development, as McCain previously spent two games with the Blue Coats in November and expressed appreciation for the opportunity at the time. It now seems like a necessary step if he fails to improve his play. When asked about possible assignments earlier this week, Nurse left the door open for such a move, but ultimately couldn't justify giving McCain rotation minutes as the 76ers reached full strength.
For McCain, the assignment represents a significant setback in what has been a disappointing sophomore campaign. The excitement of last season's performances, where he played only 23 games before injury, seems like a distant memory now.