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NBA legend Carmelo Anthony has defended Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain’s right to express himself through his personal choices. Anthony specifically noted McCain’s penchant for painting his fingernails, saying “he’s still hooping.”
Jared McCain, 20 years old, was drafted by the Sixers out of Duke University with the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As the NBA enters 2025, McCain is currently the betting favorite to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award this season.
During a recent interview with Complex, the ten-time All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist staunchly defend McCain’s personal expression, expressing that he and players like him represent a new generation.
“That’s the generation now. Like we got to fall back like it ain’t our time no more, man. This is a young man sport like this ain’t our time. We can’t keep laying down the iron fist when we only don’t agree with something. Let them boys be themselves, man, let them do what they do and have their fun like they do it differently than we did it,” Anthony told Complex.
“That’s two totally different generations,” he said. “If you got to keep painting them fingernails, man, he’s still hooping.”
In addition to his painted nails, McCain has also be receiving attention for his robust social media usage, particularly on TikTok.
@jaredmccain24 Kyle loves tiktok
So far during his rookie season, McCain is averaging 16.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Since the start of November, he’s had 8 games in which he scored at least 20 points.
The rookie has been one of the lone bright spots for the Sixers this season, as the team has a 5-15 record despite beginning the season with expectations of competing for an NBA title. It certainly hasn’t helped that their franchise cornerstone center Joel Embiid has controversially missed tons of games due to load management. Offseason acquisition Paul George has also been frequently banged up, as well.