Former Sixers Vet Reveals Top Rookie's Message After Getting Drafted

What was Jared McCain's message to former Philadelphia 76ers veteran Patrick Beverley?
Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Jared McCain (0) shoots against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first half in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Jared McCain (0) shoots against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first half in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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It’s clear that Jared McCain is trying to soak up as much information as possible about being a rookie in the NBA. Since leaving Duke for the 2024 NBA Draft, McCain has reached out to several former members of his college team, including two former Philadelphia 76ers.

Recently, another former member of the Sixers revealed that he received a message from McCain as well.

On a recent episode of The Pat Bev Podcast, NBA veteran Patrick Beverley offered some details about his early interaction with the NBA rookie. Going through his private messages, Beverley revealed the contents of the message:

“I just wanted to reach out and ask for some advice into the NBA. I have some questions about everything, to be honest. I just want to learn as much as possible before I step on the court. I’ll take anything. What’s some tips for succeeding as a rookie? How do I get on the floor? How do I get through slumps? Easy, Brodie. Easy. Send me your number.”

“He’s a real one.”

McCain’s rookie season technically started two weeks ago when the Sixers’ Summer League run kicked off in Utah. While McCain has become an immediate starter on the offseason squad, he’s sure to be knocked down the pecking order when training camp rolls around in a couple of months.

Knowing Beverley as a player who’s had to grind it out for his role, McCain wanted to see what it would take for him to earn some steady playing time in year one.

“I ain’t even on Philly no more; I’m still inspiring,” Beverley said with confidence. “I’m gonna have the whole layout for him.”

Last season, Beverley spent the first half of the year as a vocal leader for the Sixers’ second unit. At the trade deadline, the front office struck a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, which sent Beverley to Wisconsin to reunite with former 76ers head coach Doc Rivers.

Next season, Beverley won’t compete against McCain in the NBA. Instead, he’s taking his talents to Tel Aviv after signing a historic contract overseas. Still, McCain understands that Beverley’s long line of experience could help him as the 20-year-old embarks on a tough journey as a rookie first-round pick for the 76ers.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA  Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation.  Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association.  Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA