Thunder’s Quietest Preseason Development Solves Major Offseason Loss

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the offseason knowing they could not perfectly replace every departed rotation player. Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins provided reliable perimeter shooting, while Luguentz Dort created spacing despite being better known for his defense. Their exits left Oklahoma City needing another guard who could punish defenses for crowding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

Jared McCain is quietly showing that he could become that answer.

While Aday Mara has understandably dominated Oklahoma City’s preseason conversation, McCain has made seven three-pointers through two games. He opened the preseason with 12 points, five assists and four made threes against New Orleans. McCain followed that performance with 11 points against Milwaukee, connecting on three of his six attempts from beyond the arc in fewer than 17 minutes.

Those numbers are encouraging because McCain is not simply standing in one corner and waiting for open shots. He can relocate around screens, pull up when defenders move underneath and attack an aggressive closeout. That versatility gives Mark Daigneault another offensive option without requiring Oklahoma City to redesign its system. McCain can create when necessary, but his shooting allows him to remain valuable beside the Thunder’s established playmakers.

Oklahoma City already received a glimpse of that fit last season. McCain averaged 11.1 points across his first 17 games with the Thunder while shooting 43.2% from three-point range. He later displayed his confidence during the playoffs, scoring 20 points in his first postseason start against San Antonio. Daigneault praised McCain’s poise and confidence after that performance, two traits that remain visible throughout the preseason.

The Thunder did not trade a first-round pick and three second-round selections for McCain merely to survive preseason games. They believe the 22-year-old can become a meaningful piece of their championship rotation. His defensive consistency and decision-making will ultimately determine how many minutes he receives, especially with Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso competing for opportunities.

Still, Oklahoma City’s greatest offseason concern might already have an internal solution. McCain does not need to become Joe, Wiggins or Dort. He only needs to provide enough shooting to keep the floor open while adding the creativity that makes him different from all three.

The loudest preseason story has been Mara’s perfect shooting, but McCain’s quiet production could solve the more immediate problem once the games begin counting. The Thunder are still very much the team to beat in the eyes of many. This preseason update adds to that.