It’s been interesting to watch Jared McCain through the playoffs, as he radically exceeded most people’s expectations. It’s also been fun to watch the reactions of Philadelphia fans and Sixers writers as they realized that Philly really blew the McCain trade.

In Oklahoma City, McCain emerged as a major force. Like we saw at Duke, he played with immense confidence and enthusiasm, and he was a real thorn in the side of the San Antonio Spurs.

Now that the season is over, McCain has had a chance to reflect a bit on how things worked out. Here’s part of what he had to say:

“I never had expectations for myself coming in,” he said. “Once I knew that I can provide some help for this team, it was almost like, let me. I want to do anything I can to help this team win.

“If you told me four months ago that I would start in some Western Conference Finals games and play the role that I was able to play, not that I thought you were crazy, but I would look at you a little weird.”

What’s also striking is what his teammates have said about him. Take Isaiah Hartenstein:

“I think he’s a special human being. I mean, I think just in general, no one will change the way he is. I think I’ve never seen someone so happy every single day and I think it just gives something to a locker room that… I can’t be mad looking at him, if that makes sense.” 

And Jaylin Williams said this:

“He’s just a good dude… he’s confident in himself, he’s confident in his ability, he’s confident in his own skin… he’s happy, he makes a good time, regardless of what it is… he always brightens whatever room that he’s in.” 

Philly made a mistake in letting McCain go. After what we’ve seen, it’s hard to imagine the Thunder repeating it.

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