Playing in the NBA is something few get to experience, but it's surreal for those whose dream becomes a reality.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Jared McCain is the latest to feel all the emotions of his NBA debut. He appeared in the Sixers' preseason opener on Monday against the New Zealand Breakers, where Philadelphia walked away with a blowout victory.
“It’s the best feeling in my life,” McCain shared postgame. “I was nervous, but that was amazing.”
McCain finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and three assists on a disappointing 35.7% shooting while knocking down 4 of 9 three-point attempts. The most impressive feat of the 20-year-old's evening was tying center Andre Drummond for the most rebounds in the game.
McCain went on to discuss the importance of firing his shots quickly as a smaller guard.
“I worked on it since summer league, just worked on those catch-and-shoot shots, and once the first one went down, it was just like a relief,” McCain said. “And from then on, it was just muscle memory. I know what I'm doing out there.”
The 6-foot-3 sharpshooter has another five preseason games to take in the moment before making his regular season debut. The clashes come against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, and finishing out against the Orlando Magic.
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