Jared McCain's absence created a void in Philadelphia 76ers' guard depth

The 76ers' guard play has taken a hit since their rookie sensation went down with a torn meniscus

Heading into the 2024-2025 season, the Philadelphia 76ers reserve guard rotation seemed to be set with the re-acquisition of Kyle Lowry and the signings of Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson.

Philadelphia’s 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — Jared McCain — was expected to play a role similar to Tyrese Maxey in his rookie year, which was occasional rotational minutes and garbage time stints.

However, McCain took full advantage of his limited opportunities in the beginning of the season. So much so, that he quickly emerged as the Rookie of the Year favorite.

(photo credit: Philadelphia 76ers)

McCain promptly surpassed Gordon and Jackson in the 76ers’ rotation and started in eight of his 23 games played. Posting 15.3 points per game on 38.3% shooting from three, Philadelphia’s rookie began to turn heads at a national level.

That was until McCain suffered a torn meniscus on Dec. 13th against the Indiana Pacers. He would undergo a procedure to repair his meniscus and is now ruled out “indefinitely”.

Without their budding star, the 76ers desperately need to fill the void that McCain’s surpassing of expectations created.

The 76ers’ reserve guard rotation without Jared McCain

While no one expected Gordon to produce at the level he did in his tenure with the Houston Rockets, his contributions have warranted a ban from Philadelphia’s rotation.

Gordon is averaging 4.9 points per game on 37.3% shooting from the field and 29% shooting from beyond the arc. His poor shooting and limited athleticism have made him unplayable on both ends of the floor.

Lowry was brought back for his talents as a traditional point guard and veteran leadership, but he’s only contributed to the latter. He’s posting career-lows with 4.2 points per game on 35.6% shooting from the field and 2.7 assists per game.

Despite lackluster production on both ends, Lowry has started in 12 of his 25 games this season — mainly due to the severe amount of injuries that the 76ers have endured.

Jackson was acquired to provide a scoring punch off the bench, but he’s failed to do so in the limited opportunities he’s been given. The veteran guard is averaging a career-low 3.8 points per game on 38% shooting from the field.

Simply put, these three guards aren’t worthy of a consistent role on a team with playoff aspirations.

Is there a trade to be done?

With the Feb. 6th, trade deadline less than a month away, it’s imperative that Philadelphia explores the trade market for another guard — preferably someone who can run the second unit as the lead ball-handler and is below the age of 34.

Unfortunately for the 76ers, there doesn't seem to be many options available that make sense for them from a finical and value standpoint, especially since McCain is the long-term option.

Washington Wizards point guard Malcolm Brogdon or Utah Jazz combo guard Collin Sexton would fit Philadelphia’s needs, but both of them make north of $18 million annually.

The 76ers are capable of acquiring either between draft capital and salaries, but the price they’d have to pay would high as a combination involving Caleb Martin ($8.1 million), Kelly Oubre Jr. ($7.9 million), or KJ Martin ($7.6 million) would be necessary.

Potential free agent targets

The 76ers are better off exploring the free agent market, which holds a few names of intrigue such as wing Lonnie Walker IV, point guard Dennis Smith Jr, and point guard Markelle Fultz.

Philadelphia was one of many teams who showed interest in Walker according to Marc Stein. The 26-year-old is currently playing for Žalgiris Kaunas — a professional Lithuanian team.

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Walker averaged 9.7 points per game on 38.4% accuracy from three on the Brooklyn Nets last season. He’d provide the 76ers with athleticism and microwave scoring off the bench — two things Philadelphia can never get enough of.

Smith also played for Brooklyn last season where he averaged 6.6 points per game on 43.5% shooting from the field and 3.6 assists per game. While he’s not much of a scorer, Smith checks the boxes of solid facilitation and quality perimeter defense.

Fultz — the 76ers’ 2017 1st overall pick — would give playmaking and solid point-of-attack defense, but has scoring limitations. He averaged 7.8 points per game on 47.2% shooting from the field and 2.8 assists per game with the Orlando Magic last season.

Philadelphia has one roster spot left and while it’s likely it will preserved for flexibility purposes, Daryl Morey and company need to address this need sooner rather than later.

(photo credit: copyright 2025 NBAE - photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBA via Getty Images)