The Washington Wizards (11-53) are fresh off having defeated the Miami Heat 110-108 on Sunday night for its second consecutive win. Unfortunately, Washington’s season has been abysmal with only 11 wins on the year. The NBA Draft is looming and Duke star guard Jared McCain would be a perfect for the Wizards.
As the College Basketball season concludes, it’s unclear if McCain will declare for this year’s draft. The Wizards will be picking in the lottery for the fourth time in five years. As a lottery team, Washington is guaranteed a high first-round draft pick. Washington also received a first-round pick via the Daniel Gafford/Richaun Holmes trade with the Dallas Mavericks. The Wizards will have two first-round selections for the first time since 2011.
Wizards Draft Targets: Why This Duke Star Would Be A Perfect Fit
Who’s Jared McCain?
McCain hails from Sacramento, California, and was a five-star recruit and one of the top prospects in the 2023 class. He decided to take his talents to Duke after receiving offers from Gonzaga, Kansas, and Houston. McCain stands at 6-foot-3, 195Ib, and has had a prolific freshman season in Durham, North Carolina.
McCain averages 13.6 points while shooting 45.8 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from beyond the arc, respectively. Additionally, McCain is known for his solid ball-handling skills, shooting ability from distance, strong work ethic, and mentality. McCain has had a bevy of strong performances such as his 35-point performance against Florida State (8 three-pointers, 60% from field).
JARED MCCAIN IS 1 of 1 pic.twitter.com/4LkVL9rhJn
— Crazie Talk (@crazietalker) March 5, 2024
In the clip, the Blue Devils are in a fast-break situation. After multiple Duke players failed to capitalize, Jeremy Roach found McCain spotted beyond the arc. McCain shot the ball with a quick release and scored after having absorbed contact. The Duke guard is a threat anywhere on the court, as he has the most three-point attempts (175) and makes (71) for Duke.
I LOVE JARED MCCAIN pic.twitter.com/KvbbtKpQFG
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) March 5, 2024
In this next clip, McCain’s pull-up shooting ability is on full display. In another fast break, McCain seems like he’s driving to the basket but suddenly stops and shoots from three-point range successfully. McCain’s ability to quickly set his feet and exhibit good mechanics will transition well in the NBA.
How McCain Would Fit in Washington
Since Washington has two first-round picks, perhaps it should use one of them to snag McCain if he’s still available. McCain at this juncture is a projected late first-round pick and Washington could absolutely use his services. Washington currently ranks 28th in the league in three-point shooting as a team (34.9%). McCain’s supreme ability to shoot from long-range will help improve that percentage and give Washington more depth at guard. The Wizards would potentially have Corey Kispert, Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija, Jordan Poole, and McCain as legitimate long-distance shooting threats.
McCain could potentially be a starting point guard if Washington doesn’t resign Tyus Jones and/or if Poole’s disappointing season bleeds into next year.
Jared McCain from media day. For full interview follow our YouTube site. pic.twitter.com/Fp6SouBdHf
— Blue Devil Nation (@BlueDevilNation) September 30, 2023
In an interview, McCain’s mentality and mindset are put into view after being asked “Who is Jared McCain?”.
“Jared McCain is a happy, joyful player that loves to play basketball, but wants to reach his goals and just be happy in life,” McCain said. The former five-star recruit’s demeanor and mentality is what Washington desperately needs in the locker room. At times, the Wizards’ body language on the court looks bleak, but McCain can provide that spark of positive energy on and off the court for a team with a losing culture.
The Last Word on Wizards Draft Targets: Why This Duke Star Would Be A Perfect Fit
McCain’s style of play, mindset, and approach to basketball would aid the Wizards franchise immensely if taken in the first round. As the NBA season wanes for Washington, general manager Will Dawkins should keep a close eye on McCain, if he hasn’t already.
