Jared McCain’s Thunder Fit, Embiid–Maxey Screen Remark Renew Scrutiny of 76ers

McCain’s praise for screen-heavy sets with Oklahoma City bigs has intensified questions about how Philadelphia deployed him before trading him.

Overview

McCain said he admired Joel Embiid screening for Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia and is now enjoying similar actions with Isaiah Hartenstein, Jalen (J-Will) Williams and Chet Holmgren in Oklahoma City.
His comments were published ahead of a Thunder game this week and were cited by multiple outlets as evidence of a clearer role for him in Mark Daigneault’s system.
Social-media reactions reported by ClutchPoints included 76ers fans calling for head coach Nick Nurse to be fired and, in some cases, broader front-office changes.
Sporting News noted Daryl Morey previously framed the deadline trade as an opportunity to “sell high,” a rationale facing renewed skepticism given McCain’s fit in OKC.
Coverage characterizes McCain as playing well in a screen-heavy role for the Thunder, with ClutchPoints citing a 11.4 points-per-game average since the trade.