Jared McCain proved to be a revelation for the OKC Thunder following his mid-season, trade-deadline arrival. From shooting 39.1 percent from three in the regular season to registering eight double-digit games in the playoffs, the sophomore established himself as the team's premier deep threat.
Now, given OKC's meticulous offseason moves, they have made their stance on the young sharpshooter crystal clear.
It's obvious that the Thunder intend to keep McCain around for the long haul, and their offseason plans have shown that. They traded away his primary competition for playing time, Isaiah Joe, in a deal in which they received just two second-round picks in return.
McCain had already swallowed most of Joe's role, so the move felt inevitable.
The biggest implication for McCain's future success with the team, however, might have nothing to do with his direct competition. Oddly enough, the decisions Sam Presti has made at the center position might be the most beneficial of all to the budding star.
Thunder doubled down on what has led to Jared McCain's success
First, Isaiah Hartenstein was signed to an extension and is now under contract through 2028-29. Then, the Thunder selected center Aday Mara with the 12th-overall pick in the NBA Draft in June.
On top of size, interior presence, and the ability to rebound the basketball, the two big men have one key skill in common: floor vision.
Mara, like I-Hart, is an adept passer, more so than most people give him credit for at 7-foot3. Such a talent is a huge asset, especially considering how much Daigneault loves to play off the center position.
Over the past two seasons, fans have watched Hartenstein fuel the offense from the top of the key, whether it's through his elite screen-setting or threading passes into cutting guards.
Either way, the addition of Mara doubles down on this version of the Thunder offense. Now, even when Hart sits, coach Mark Daigneault will still have the ability to run the offense through his big man without sacrificing size.
Entering his first full season in a Thunder uniform, McCain now has more tools to work with and less competition around him. Since he will be coming off the bench, he will likely share the floor with Mara more often than not.
Watching how the two play off of each other will be something worth monitoring during the preseason.
For now, McCain is likely enjoying his first offseason with the team. There is no doubt the coaching staff has extensive plans for him this coming campaign.
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