How Jared McCain is making his case to start for Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain is pushing for a spot in head coach Mark Daigneault's starting lineup ahead of the 2026-27 season. With Lu Dort vacating his starting position, McCain is competing alongside Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell for an expanded role. McCain, who shot a career-high 39.1% from 3-point range last season, worked out extensively over the summer alongside teammates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams to broaden his game beyond outside shooting.

While Wallace's elite defense makes him a leading candidate, Daigneault praised McCain's competitiveness, high motor, and execution during his first full training camp with the squad. McCain highlighted how Oklahoma City's fast-paced transition offense creates perimeter opportunities when defenses collapse on Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander. Preseason rotations are expected to reveal how Daigneault arranges his backcourt following the departures of Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins.