March 24, 2026, 7:04 a.m. ET

PHILADELPHIA — It’s important to build relationships in any profession, but for a young player in the NBA, it’s especially important to find a support system quickly.

While playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Jared McCain was able to find that quickly as he found his friendships with the likes of Tyrese Maxey, Justin Edwards, and rookie VJ Edgecombe.

It’s quite easy to bond with McCain as he is somebody who always has a smile on his face and is looking to help anybody who needs it and offer advice or a friendly smile. Edgecombe found that out rather quickly, and seeing McCain in Monday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, allowed the two to briefly reunite.

“It was super great to see him, man,” said Edgecombe. “I’m super happy for him. We still talk here and there, but I’m glad to see him out there and having fun. He’s really bonding with his teammates and stuff like that. I mean, if you don’t bond with Jared, something may be wrong with you. I’m super excited for him. He made some shots tonight. He got hot early, but yeah, man. It’s good to see him out there having fun. So, yeah. That’s the main thing.”

After shooting 3-for-6 from deep in the Thunder win on Monday, McCain is now shooting 43.9% from deep in 20 games with OKC. He played with energy, emotion, and joy on Monday which are just regular characteristics of who McCain is.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

“His character,” Edgecombe continued. “His personality. He’s a fun guy, man. He’s a fun guy. Always smiling. Pretty sure you’ve seen he’s always smiling. So, that’s it. Just a great person.”

McCain shared mutual feelings for Edgecombe as he gave a lot of love to his young former teammate. He wanted to make sure he highlighted how important his friendship is to him.

“Ever since he got drafted—ever since he visited Duke, he’s been such a great energy person,” McCain said. “Just great vibes. I have nothing but good things to say about VJ. He’s been helpful when I wasn’t playing, when just things weren’t going my way, when I was on the Sixers, and I’m just very grateful the relationship that we’ve built. That’s a brother for life, for sure.”

While McCain and the Thunder will continue ramping up for the playoffs, Edgecombe and the Sixers will be looking to climb out of the play-in, They are currently a game back of the Atlanta Hawks for the final guaranteed playoff spot in the East.