Jared McCain NBA draft projection: 5 landing spots for the Duke point guard ft. San Antonio Spurs and more
Duke produces its fair share of outstanding NBA guards, and freshman Jared McCain is likely the next on that list. McCain, one of Duke's top scorers, has now declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, as announced through his Instagram. McCain spent one season with the Blue Devils before making the decision to turn pro.
McCain's 12.4 points per game and 40.2% 3-point shooting highlight his level of skills in competitive space. At 4.3 rebounds per game, he's Duke's third-leading rebounder, despite standing just 6-foot-3. With a pair of 20-point outings in Duke's last four games, McCain is only improving.
Perimeter scoring has perhaps never been more significant in the NBA. That's McCain's ticket to the next level. But which NBA teams might grab him? Here are five potential suitors for the Duke standout.
Read more: Jared McCain Draft Stock: Duke guard's potential team fits, strengths and flaws explored
Jared McCain NBA Draft projection: Top 5 NBA landing spots
The Duke guard is expected to be a late first round pick (22-25) following his impressive season this year. This is a rise from his initial position on the draft boards, his previous projection being in the 27-30 range.
1. San Antonio Spurs
The team with the lowest 3-point shooting percentage (34.3%) in the NBA could benefit from McCain's skills. Although Devin Vassell is a good shooter, the Spurs still have the worst 3-point percentage in the league. Additionally, they have a 7-foot-4 player as their centerpiece, Victor Wembanyama. In this scenario, McCain's expertise could certainly be useful.
Tre Jones hasn't done much to enshrine himself in San Antonio. A McCain/Vassell backcourt could help add perimeter options for the Spurs. Accordingly, McCain might get the nod.
2. Orlando Magic
The Magic are both the third-worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA and also the team making the fewest 3-pointers. Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony are both solid, but McCain could nab minutes behind both starting guards.
Orlando is built around Paolo Banchero and already has one solid perimeter weapon in Franz Wagner. McCain would make another solid shooter and accordingly, he might be at a premium value for the Magic.
3. Washington Wizards
With the second-worst record in the NBA, the Wizards could use almost any warm body. The Wizards are also one of just four NBA teams shooting below 35% from 3-point range. McCain would help immediately.
With Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole already solid from long range, McCain would add a third standout shooter and solid guard depth. Given Poole's status, Washington would likely give McCain a legitimate shot at point guard. That might be a plus for both the team and the player.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles is an aging team, and two things the Lakers could use are youth and perimeter scoring. Somebody has to pass the ball to LeBron James and Anthony Davis and be ready for 3-point opportunities from playing opposite them.
Playing for the Lakers would allow McCain to slowly break into the NBA while he matures. He'd also get the opportunity to hone his craft with tips from an experienced group of veteran standouts.
5. New Orleans Pelicans
While C.J. McCollum is pretty well set in the Pelicans backcourt, Jordan Hawkins hasn't exactly grabbed the other guard spot. The Pelicans can use a wing that can feed Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
As things stand, the Pelicans would earn an NBA playoff spot. For a young team on the rise, another shooter could make a massive difference. That's one reason New Orleans might just add Jared McCain.
McCain's NBA future is bright, but where could he do his best? Add your opinion to the conversation in the comments below.