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Jared McCain gets huge crowd reaction in Thunder debut

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Alex House, ClutchPoints | Last updated Feb 7, 2026 5:15 PM ET

After being traded to the defending NBA champions, Jared McCain was excited to play in front of the Oklahoma City Thunder crowd. And he was not disappointed. The second-year guard received a big ovation when he stepped onto the court at the end of the first quarter of Saturday’s matchup versus the Houston Rockets. If one was not familiar with him, they might think he was a franchise pillar based on how the fans reacted.

It could just be Southern hospitality, or maybe the Paycom Center is amped up to see this young talent in action. McCain made a pull-up jumper near the free throw line early in the second quarter, scoring his first basket as a member of the Thunder. Perhaps a promising union is about to begin.

Jared McCain gets a huge ovation from the OKC crowd

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Before suffering a season-ending meniscus tear in December of 2024, the No. 16 overall draft pick was a strong Rookie of the Year candidate. He has yet to regain the momentum he was building with the Philadelphia 76ers. McCain underwent thumb surgery last October, causing him to miss the first few weeks of the 2025-26 campaign. He has also struggled from the field, shooting just 38.5 percent through 37 games. A diminished role can possibly explain some of his troubles.

The former Duke Standout saw his minutes shrink to 16.8 per game following the emergence of rookie VJ Edgecombe. He will still carry a small role on a deep OKC squad, but the champs clearly believe Jared McCain has plenty to offer.

The Thunder traded a 2026 first-round pick (via Rockets) and three future second-rounders to acquire the young sharpshooter. Floor-spacing is a vital skill in this league, and despite his scuffles, he is still more than competent from distance. McCain is shooting 38.1 percent from 3-point range through 60 NBA games.

Since both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams are dealing with injuries , head coach Mark Daigneault may rely on the midseason acquisition to provide some fresh legs and an effective shooting stroke. The 21-year-old will try to make the most of his opportunities. He has five points and two rebounds in 14 minutes versus Houston.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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