When the Philadelphia 76ers put together a roster starring Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, they probably didn’t expect rookie Jared McCain to lead the team in points scored in fifteen games.

That’s what ended up happening. It’s a fact that reflects a disastrous season for the Sixers so far, but that doesn’t mean McCain hasn’t been excellent.

The 16th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft led Philadelphia to a much-needed 113-98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, with 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. That’s not a bad way to improve on an early Rookie of the Year case that was already looking strong.

McCain’s night and his recent performance as the Sixers’ leading scorer made some small pieces of history. He has now done that

Perhaps most impressive Friday was McCain’s seventh straight game with at least 20 points. Every other NBA rookie has combined for a total of 10 such games.

Of course, none of this was Plan A for the Sixers, who are still just 3-12 after their win over the Nets. McCain succeeds by inheriting custom intended for a trio of All-Star teammates who have only played three-quarters of basketball together due to lingering injuries.

If/when Embiid, George and Maxey are all healthy again, McCain will likely fill a more complementary role while still getting shots from the perimeter. But for now, McCain takes his chance and runs with it, and that’s the kind of thing that can win Rookie of the Year in a wide open field.