In the new batch of players currently making waves in the Summer League is Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain. Why, do you ask? It’s because the player seeks some advice to learn! While dropping solid numbers in his recent matchups, McCain revealed how Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving reached out to him and provided some valuable advice that will be quite helpful in the future. Looking to grab more inspiration and learn, the rookie is now extending his reach.

Patrick Beverly discussed this vividly in his podcast, revealing that Jared McCain actually DMed him overnight seeking advice as he was going into the NBA. The former 76ers star feels the rookie is a “real one” since this incident. “I have some questions about everything, to be honest, and just want to learn as much as possible before I step on the court. I’ll take anything”. This message certainly made the 36-year-old feel respected, especially given his current circumstances.

“Yeah, I ain’t even on Philly no more,” said Beverley. “Man, I’m talking about…….. I’m still inspiring. I’m still inspiring.” After his co-host revealed his belief that the rookie is “nothing short of a winner”, Beverley seemed to agree with this by stating “Imma have the whole layout for him.”

Patrick Beverley barely missed out on playing alongside Jared McCain. Back in February, before he could even complete a single season with the Philadelphia 76ers, the point guard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. His brief tenure alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and co was marked with controversies, as the player twice threw the ball towards an audience member during a momentous game and disregarded an ESPN reporter after she revealed to not have subscribed to his podcast.

When the time came for him to sign a new contract in NBA Free Agency, the 36-year-old instead took his talents to the Hapoel Tel Aviv BC of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. After signing a two-year, $4 million deal with the Israeli Team, the player revealed “They gave me everything I asked for. I couldn’t refuse.” With this decision, there is a good chance that Beverley may not return to the NBA. However, he can still hand out advice to the rookie from afar.

Beverley’s revelation about McCain comes over two weeks after the newly inducted member of the 76ers sat down for an interview with ‘Overtime’ journalist Maddy. When made to choose between Kyrie Irving and Carlos Boozer as part of a trivia round, Jared McCain revealed “I haven’t met him, but he DM’ed me, so I’m gonna go Kyrie.” He later added, “It was like a long message, just always be yourself, and just be authentic to wherever you go.” Having been in the NBA for over 13 years and played for four different franchises, Kyrie Irving certainly speaks from experience.

How has Jared McCain performed in the Summer League till now?

With the 20-year-old reaching out and enthusiastically taking in any advice he gets, one would be expecting the player to perform well in the ongoing Summer League. As it turns out, he is not disappointing.

As the 16 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers, Jared McCain has averaged 14.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists for his franchise in the last 3 games. In his debut game against the Detroit Pistons, despite dropping 4-14 field goals and 1-6 three-pointers, he was still +19 on the floor, which was much higher than any other 76er. In the team’s most recent matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he led the scoring effort with his 21 points and ensured a very narrow 92-90 win.

While his stats certainly put him in a better position than some of his teammates and counterparts, his shooting skills still hold some room for improvement. In his three games, the player has averaged a shooting percentage of just 26.1%. In his matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, McCain went 3-16 when it came to field goals. This was a significant contributor to the 76ers’s eventual 97-95 loss. Going against the Timberwolves gave the player his best percentage (31.25%), but it was still not enough.

With Patrick Beverley’s support on his side along with others, Jared McCain will end up being fairly developed by the time he plays his first NBA regular season game.