Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain was the top rookie in the NBA during the first few months of the 2024-25 season.
Through his first 23 contests, McCain was the highest-scoring first-year player in the league, averaging 15.3 points per game (plus an additional 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game). But his debut season would be cut short after he suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee, the team announced on Dec. 14.
Now, McCain will be a second-year player ushering in the next crop of 76ers rookies.
The 76ers added two players to their roster through the NBA Draft: third overall pick VJ Edgecombe, a shooting guard from Baylor; and 35th overall pick Johni Broome, a center from Auburn.
In an exclusive interview with 76ers on SI’s Declan Harris, McCain praised the 76ers’ decisions to acquire those two players.
“A-plus decision by our front office, VJ and Johni. They’re super cool, just getting to know them. I’ve already hung out with VJ a few times at my place, and we’re just getting to know each other, just great energy,” McCain said. “I always try and figure out people’s energy and how they react to certain things, and it’s just cool to see somebody who’s high energy like that, and a good person at heart, which is the best part.”
Edgecome, specifically, impressed McCain with his ability to make players for other players, not just himself.
“He showed exactly what he can do; the athleticism, even the playmaking, was surprising to me,” McCain stated. “I didn’t get to see it as much in college, but I was excited to see the way you can see the floor and just play out there as a pro.”
Both Edgecome and Broom gave the 76ers a preview of what they can bring to the team in July during the NBA Summer League. Edgeecombe averaged 21.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game and in his two Summer League appearances, while Broome averaged 11.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game across seven contests.
