Jared McCain, the second-year guard of the Philadelphia 76ers, is finally starting to make progress with his comeback from a series of injuries. The young player made his first appearance with the Delaware Blue Coats, the Sixers' G League affiliate, and showcased signs of improvement.
McCain's journey back to form has been marked by struggles, including a meniscus repair in December and an ACL tear in September. Despite these setbacks, he remains optimistic and focused on regaining trust in his game. "I feel like I'm just trying to get used to playing, and I feel a little off-balance," McCain said after Thursday's game.
The Blue Coats' coach has been pleased with McCain's progress, praising his increased physicality and aggression. McCain's performance was also boosted by the new "Incrediwear" sleeve on his knee, which allows for greater mobility while still providing protection.
However, despite the positive signs, McCain knows that he still has a long way to go. His movement is limited by the brace, and he relies heavily on his "stocky build" and smarts to compensate. "I keep saying it, but it's all about feel for me, and using my body is something I've done since I was a kid," McCain said.
McCain also acknowledged that his mental approach has been a challenge, particularly when faced with negative comments online. "You've just got to block it out," he said, but admits that it can be tough. To cope, he talks to his psychologist and focuses on self-compassion, trying not to base his performance on outcomes.
For now, McCain's goal is to continue improving in the G League and eventually return to the Sixers. "It's something that I feel like will help me in the long run," he said. As he works through this process, one thing is clear: McCain is committed to finding a way back to form, both on and off the court.
McCain's journey back to form has been marked by struggles, including a meniscus repair in December and an ACL tear in September. Despite these setbacks, he remains optimistic and focused on regaining trust in his game. "I feel like I'm just trying to get used to playing, and I feel a little off-balance," McCain said after Thursday's game.
The Blue Coats' coach has been pleased with McCain's progress, praising his increased physicality and aggression. McCain's performance was also boosted by the new "Incrediwear" sleeve on his knee, which allows for greater mobility while still providing protection.
However, despite the positive signs, McCain knows that he still has a long way to go. His movement is limited by the brace, and he relies heavily on his "stocky build" and smarts to compensate. "I keep saying it, but it's all about feel for me, and using my body is something I've done since I was a kid," McCain said.
McCain also acknowledged that his mental approach has been a challenge, particularly when faced with negative comments online. "You've just got to block it out," he said, but admits that it can be tough. To cope, he talks to his psychologist and focuses on self-compassion, trying not to base his performance on outcomes.
For now, McCain's goal is to continue improving in the G League and eventually return to the Sixers. "It's something that I feel like will help me in the long run," he said. As he works through this process, one thing is clear: McCain is committed to finding a way back to form, both on and off the court.
He's been through so much with those injuries and still manages to stay positive 
. I love how he's focusing on just trying to get used to playing again and not putting too much pressure on himself 
. The Incrediwear sleeve seems like a game-changer for him, especially since it allows him to move more freely 
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. It takes a lot of mental toughness to block out all that hate and keep your head up 
. I'm glad he's got a support system in place, like his psychologist, to help him cope 
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. Let's keep cheering him on and wishing him all the best on his comeback journey 
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. The dude's been through some tough injuries, but he's still got that determination in him. I mean, who wouldn't want to come back from a meniscus repair and an ACL tear? That's like, career-ending stuff right there 
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. But McCain's got this – he's gonna get back out there and show us what he's made of 
Like, Jared's been out for ages already! I remember watching Joel Embiid in his early days with the Sixers, he was so raw but had that same fire in his belly. And now McCain's on a similar path... it's like we're living through history or something! 
His coach sounds super cool by the way, love how they're helping him adjust to playing without full speed yet. That Incrediwear sleeve is pure genius, btw! 
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I'm rooting for him all the way! 
Jared McCain's comeback story is super inspiring 
! He's not giving up despite all those injuries 
. I feel bad for him, but he seems so positive 
must be helping with the mobility 
. Mental toughness is key too 
, which is awesome. Fingers crossed he gets back to form soon 
️ and becomes a solid contributor for the 76ers! 
and idk what the "Incrediwear" sleeve is but if it's helping him get more mobility, i'm here for it 
. I mean, sure it's cool that it allows for greater mobility while still providing protection, but can't they just design something more sleek and less bulky? It's not like a standard knee brace anymore... 
It feels like a marketing ploy more than actual progress. Anyway, I guess it's good that McCain has his psychologist and self-compassion on his side, but can't we all just get back to watching some real basketball instead of analyzing every little detail of this comeback story? 
, 2 years of injuries already and it's taking a toll on him physically & mentally, but at least he's optimistic about himself, that's what matters 
... mental game is tough tho, online negativity can be brutal 
, glad he's talking to his psychologist, self-compassion is key 
, you know when they added that new special sauce it changed everything! And I'm like "man, I gotta get there ASAP" 
. I swear their pepperoni slices are so crispy... anyway back to McCain, what's with the different sleeves? is Incrediwear a new thing or something? I heard some sports gear brands have weird materials now that help with movement 
. Anyway, McCain's gotta keep working on himself, no pressure though 
. & yeah, Incrediwear sleeve is a game changer 
. It's like they're little philosophers trying to figure out the meaning of life through playtime. Anyway, speaking of movement, did you know that the new Incrediwear sleeve is actually pretty cool tech? I mean, it's not just some fancy marketing gimmick. The materials are supposed to help with recovery and injury prevention... or so I read on Reddit 
His use of " Incrediwear" sleeve might seem gimmicky, but if it's helping him move freely again, that's all that matters to me! 
️. It'll be great to see him continue improving in the G League and hopefully make a successful return to the Sixers 
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#NBAinjuryRecovery #ComebackKid #SixersNation 
. It's not just about the physical progress, though – McCain is also working on his mental game, and that takes a lot of courage 
. I'm rooting for him all the way; he's gonna crush it in the G League and back to the 76ers 
. like, he's still got a ways to go but it's awesome to see him stay positive and focused 
. 76ers fans are def holding their breath tho 
. i love how he's focusing on feel and using his instincts to make plays... it's not just about physicality anymore, it's about mental toughness too