When the Oklahoma City Thunder made the move for Jared McCain at the trade deadline, it was largely seen as a long-term upside gamble. McCain has two seasons left under team control. While he was expected to make some immediate contributions with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell out, the general belief was that his impact wouldn't be truly felt until the Thunder needed to strip back their roster for next season.
Instead, McCain has acclimated immediately to Oklahoma City's system. Even with both of their lead guards back in the fold, McCain has continued to find opportunities and play his way into Mark Daigneault's good graces.
After averaging just 16.8 minutes with the Philadelphia 76ers this season and even spending some time in the G-League, he's now averaging 19.3 minutes through 19 games with the Thunder.
As the playoffs approach, the minor shooting slump that the rest of the team's role players are enduring could force Oklahoma City to ask a serious question. Has McCain already secured a spot in the playoff rotation?
McCain is the Thunder's best spot-up perimeter shooter, and they'll need him in the playoffs
Since his arrival in Oklahoma City, McCain has quickly found his rookie form. He's currently averaging 12.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while knocking down 44% of his shots from beyond the arc in a Thunder uniform.
His defensive contributions, moreover, have been relatively underrated. He's certainly not known for his staunch on-ball defense, but he's shown a willingness to integrate himself into the Thunder's swarming scheme.
These two factors combined leave Daigneault with almost no choice but to carry his minutes over into the playoffs.
The team as a whole has shot better from beyond the arc through this recent stretch. Since Feb. 1, the are 11th in the NBA in 3-point percentage. But many of their usual role players are struggling.
Since Feb. 1, Aaron Wiggins is shooting just 29.5% from 3-point range. Cason Wallace is also shooting 29.5% from the perimeter in that same span. Mitchell, since his return from the abdominal strain and ankle injury that sidelined him for over a month, is shooting just 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Of course Isaiah Joe is heating up, knocking down 42.3% of his attempts from the perimeter since Feb. 1.
But the Thunder need shooting as they head into the playoffs, and McCain has undoubtedly been their most reliable contributor over this recent stretch of success. As we near the shortening of the rotation, McCain is rapidly improving his chances of sticking around.