Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain has been making headlines, not just for his basketball skills, but also for his presence on social media. The 20-year-old first-round pick has amassed a significant following on TikTok, where he shares videos that often feature his painted nails. However, this has also brought a wave of criticism and negativity his way.
In a recent appearance on Paul George’s “Podcast P,” McCain opened up about the challenges he faces due to his social media activities.
“At first, it was tough. Because I was like, I’m just trying to spread positivity. People are hating, saying everything to me. At games, it was crazy,” McCain shared.
He emphasized that while he enjoys creating content and expressing himself, he dislikes when people overshadow his hard work in basketball by focusing on his TikTok videos and painted nails.
McCain’s journey to the NBA has been marked by dedication and hard work. He started playing basketball at the age of three and has always been passionate about the sport. Despite his achievements on the court, he finds it frustrating when his social media presence becomes the main topic of discussion.
“I’ve done basketball since I was three years old. I do this stuff on the side, obviously it’s got me where I’m at today. But when they try to overshadow my hard work in basketball just by saying the TikTok and the nails, that’s when I hate it,” he explained.
The young athlete also mentioned how his parents are more affected by the negative comments than he is.
“I’ve got to tell my parents, like they want to respond more than I do. And I gotta tell them, like, ‘No, just chill. Just chill.’ You get used to it at a certain point,” McCain said.
He believes that the criticism often stems from people’s insecurities or their desire to get a reaction out of him.
As McCain prepares for his rookie season with the Sixers, he remains focused on his goals. He aims to secure a spot in the team’s rotation and contribute to their success. With his shooting skills, defensive tenacity, and secondary playmaking abilities, McCain is determined to prove himself on the court.
“I get called TikToker more than basketball player by far… Sometimes I’m like, ‘Damn, do y’all not know I play basketball?'”
– Jared McCain 😅
(via @PodcastPShow)pic.twitter.com/eTjiNafPpS
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 30, 2024
