Jared McCain’s unexpected impact on the Philadelphia 76ers has defied pre-season expectations. The Duke guard was anticipated to bring energy but was expected to have limited playing time on a veteran-laden team aiming for a top spot in the Eastern Conference. However, with the 76ers struggling at 3-13 and grappling with injuries and uncertainty surrounding center Joel Embiid and new addition Paul George, McCain has emerged as a key contributor.
As the Sixers navigate a challenging season, McCain has stepped up in ways few anticipated, playing as if he were the first overall pick rather than the 16th selection in the draft. His performance has transformed the narrative around the team, which earned the top lottery pick last spring.
Weekly Recap
Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers recorded an unusual stat line against the Houston Rockets, finishing with 19 rebounds, three blocks, and no points. Unfortunately, he sustained a left MCL strain during the game and is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.
While some rookies, like Oklahoma City’s Ajay Mitchell and Phoenix’s Ryan Dunn, made early contributions but are not featured on this week’s Ladder, others are beginning to find their rhythm. Notable performances have come from Miami’s Pelle Larsson, New Orleans’ Antonio Reeves, Chicago’s Matas Buzelis, and Minnesota’s Rob Dillingham. Houston’s Reed Sheppard has also shown flashes of potential, despite limited playing time.
Movement Summary: Four rookies moved up in the rankings, while five slid. San Antonio’s Stephon Castle made a significant jump from No. 10 to No. 6 and then to No. 2 for the second consecutive week.
Storyline to Watch
As the competition for NBA Rookie of the Month heats up, rookies have just three game nights left to make an impression. The top contenders for the October/November honors are emerging from the Ladder’s upper ranks. However, recent history suggests that the Rookie of the Month award is not a reliable predictor of the NBA Rookie of the Year, with the last ROY winner to secure the monthly honor being Memphis’ Ja Morant in the 2019-20 season.
Latest Rankings
Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
Season Stats: 16.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.8 APG
Last Ladder: No. 1
Draft Pick: No. 16
McCain made headlines with a standout performance against the Nets, scoring 30 points alongside Tyrese Maxey’s 26. In his recent streak of seven consecutive games with at least 20 points, he has averaged 26.1 points, shooting 50.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Season Stats: 11.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.7 APG
Last Ladder: No. 6
Draft Pick: No. 4
Castle’s maturity has drawn praise from teammates, including Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who noted his poise in clutch situations as San Antonio went 3-0 this week.
Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Season Stats: 12.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG
Last Ladder: No. 2
Draft Pick: No. 39
Veteran Marcus Smart highlighted Wells’ diligent work ethic, which has contributed to his surprising success. In a recent game against Chicago, Wells scored 26 points, showcasing his potential.
Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
Season Stats: 11.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.1 APG
Last Ladder: No. 3
Draft Pick: No. 17
After a promising start, Knecht’s performance has dipped amid a Lakers slump, leading to questions about his ceiling as a rookie.
Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
Season Stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.4 APG
Last Ladder: No. 4
Draft Pick: No. 1
Risacher’s shooting has fluctuated, but Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised his defensive efforts against challenging matchups.
The Next Five
Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans
Season Stats: 7.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 BPG
Last Ladder: No. 8
Missi had a standout game against Indiana, contributing 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards
Season Stats: 10.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.9 BPG
Last Ladder: No. 9
Sarr matched his scoring high with 20 points against Chicago, averaging a double-double for the week.
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Season Stats: 11.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.0 BPG
Last Ladder: No. 5
Edey is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but has shown impressive efficiency when on the court.
Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards
Season Stats: 9.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.6 APG
Last Ladder: No. 7
Carrington’s shooting has struggled alongside the Wizards’ recent performance, but he continues to contribute in other areas.
Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic
Season Stats: 7.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.8 APG
Last Ladder: Not ranked
Da Silva has made an impact during the Magic’s strong stretch, contributing defensively and earning valuable minutes.
Related topics
- Horry Scale: Ivey Hits Buzzer Beater vs. Raptors
- How Much Does NBA Basketball Weigh
- What Basketball Brand Does the NBA Use
