Jared McCain Rookie of the Year Odds: Sixers guard favored

David Schneidman Updated: Nov 14 2024 17:13

Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Jared McCain is the new betting favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year as of Thursday morning.

McCain is +275 to win the award, ahead of No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher (+450), Zach Edey (+450) and Carlton Carrington (+650). Prior to the season, McCain was +3000 to win Rookie of the Year.

The Sixers first-year man has been the bright spot in an otherwise dreadful start to the season for Philly, who are 2-9 and yet to play a game with their ‘big 3’ – Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George – all on the floor.

Since Maxey suffered a hamstring injury in the Sixers’ loss to the Clippers on November 6, forcing him to miss the last four games, McCain has gone from rotation piece to go-to scorer.

The 2024 No. 16 overall pick has looked the part in his extended minutes, averaging 25.5 points and 4 assists in 32.5 minutes per game across Philly’s last four contests. The Duke product has also poured in 17 threes on 42.5% 3P in that time, and is shooting 45.7% FG on the season.

McCain almost single-handedly brought the Sixers to a victory against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, dropping a career-best 34 points and 10 assists, but his effort fell short in the 114-106 loss.

The 20-year-old has three of the five highest-scoring games by a rookie this season and leads all first-year players in total points (149) and points per game (13.5).

While McCain’s volume is expected to go down once Maxey, George and Embiid return, the rookie has proven he deserves a significant role in Nick Nurse’s rotation already.

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Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.