While the Philadelphia 76ers were one of the worst teams in the NBA last year, the team had one bright spot that nearly saved the season. That bright spot was star rookie Jared McCain, who was making a strong case to be the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, however, McCain’s season was cut short in December as he suffered a meniscus tear. 

Though he recovered from the injury in time for this season, he tore a UCL in his thumb during an offseason workout in September. This injury has kept him out of the Sixers’ first few games, and he remains out for the time being. 

That said, thankfully for Sixers fans, McCain appears to be progressing well through his thumb injury, as he’s now leveled up to his “playing brace” for his thumb. 

Not only has he leveled up his brace, but his shot is looking pure, or, as Keith Pompey put it, he's "found his groove."

This should terrify the rest of the NBA as the Sixers’ star backcourt trio of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes has averaged 75.5 PPG through their first two games this season. 

Adding McCain, who’s another guard capable of starting, will make the depth of this Sixers backcourt simply ridiculous. With all four playing, there won’t be a single minute in which Philadelphia won’t have a starting-caliber guard on the floor.

This is going to be vitally important as Joel Embiid progresses through his season. If they’ll be able to have an elite scorer on the court at all times, Embiid going to the bench won’t have as much of an impact on the game. 

Furthermore, if he can save his body to remain healthy for the playoffs, the Sixers could have a real shot at a championship. For a team that had little to no expectations entering this season, it’s incredible that a playoff run even appears to be a possibility after two games.