CAMDEN, N.J. — Jared McCain’s headed down to Delaware.
The Sixers on Thursday assigned the second-year guard to their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. The team plans to have McCain play in home games on both Thursday and Saturday vs. the Greensboro Swarm.
McCain’s immediate adjustment back to the NBA has not been smooth. Following approximately 11 months on the sidelines, McCain has struggled in his return from a left knee lateral meniscus tear and a torn UCL in his right thumb.
He’s played three games and logged 31 total minutes. McCain has no points on 0-for-9 shooting, four assists, two rebounds and a steal.
“I just really want him to get some trips up and down the court,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said after his team’s practice Thursday. “I think this is a good little window for him. Couple of home games for them, and then he’ll be right back in the swing of things. And we’re keeping him right here, making sure he’s up to date with everything and all that stuff.
“Just get him up and down, get some conditioning. Again, it’s three really short stints in the last 11 months. Maybe a couple of chances to give him some longer stints.”
McCain has been open about the various challenges of trying to regain comfort and confidence on the court. He’s had a difficult time adapting to the brace on his left knee.
“I’m getting better with it,” he said Sunday night following the Sixers’ loss to the Pistons. “We’re trying some different things, just trying to see how it feels with different sleeves over it.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m about to fall over when I’m running. But just getting used to it. It’s going to take time, but I think I’ve gotten a little bit better with it.”