I’ve changed my mind in that before we leave for Colorado again I’m going to feature my No. 8 and No. 9 guys on my OKC Thunder rotation for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
It will change with me from game to game depending on the opponent and situation. If the Thunder need more size…then it would be JWill-Ark. If the Thunder need instant offense off the bench from a guy with absolutely no fear of failure and what I call ‘basketball hubris’… it would be Jared McCain coming off the bench.
When Sam Presti had to let Lu Dort go…he’s what he knew he still had at the guard position: Shai, JDub-hybrid guard/forward, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, Topic and Barnhizer. Add to the fact Presti drafted two additional guards in Bennett Stirtz from Iowa and Otega Oweh from Kentucky.
Note: I actually sat next to ‘Tega twice at OU womens’ games during his two year stay in Norman. Great kid with no lack of confidence. What he did at Kentucky did not surprise me at all. His older brother plays in the NFL. He comes from a sports family. Keep an eye on ‘Tega’s evolution as I think Presti will eventually try and keep him in OKC.
But back to Jared…this is a young player who if he learns to play enough defense…is going to be another incredible get by Presti. I thought it was one of the best moves in the entire NBA trade dealine by any GM.
This kid is the exact mental opposite of Chet. He has NO FEAR OF FAILURE. I mean, if he misses his first six shots…he pretty much blows that off until he finds himself in the flow of the game. I think that’s what Nick Collison used to describe as ‘finding or losing yourself in the game.’
And then there’s Chet looking at Wemby and fretting while contemplating potential failure. Look at these highlights from Game 6…Jared never once blinked or backed away from Wembyama. You can’t coach that. There isn’t a drill for that skill. And I guess he might still be wearing nail polish. If he makes shots and improves his defense it doesn’t bother me.
Tomorrow or Thursday I’m doing JWill Ark before we head back to Greenwood Village, Colorado to dog-sit our eight-month year-old baby golden lab dog grandson named Sunny.
Plus…it will be peak fall foilage week in most of Colorado. It is amazing fall color in Greenwood Village. This is what older people do when they can’t play sports any longer. This is what happens when your body can’t go anymore… dog sitting and fall foilage.
As soon as I witness evidence that OU has an offensive line and John Mateer takes care of the football….I’ll return to the OU football beat as well upon our return.
And I have to tell you people…as a Stage 4 cancer survivor I’m in this beautiful space right now. I feel beyond blessed. Seriously….it’s like I’m already in some semblance of heaven.
Grace and peace.
MJ