A weapon that absolutely torched the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals is Jared McCain. Throughout the double-digit win, McCain drilled four three-pointers on five attempts and was basically flawless for the 15 minutes he played. But if you heard the LA Clippers, who were hungry for youth, had the chance to snag the former lottery pick at the February trade deadline, would you believe it?
Yes, that’s right. Lawrence Frank and the Clippers could’ve easily matched, or even thrown in better, the inexpensive package the Philadelphia 76ers received from the Oklahoma City Thunder, which was just a bunch of draft capital; no legitimate, proven asset was involved.
Unfortunately for Clipper Nation, Frank opted to twiddle his thumbs and watch the Thunder make a championship-type move. This realization instills pain, as McCain has been tremendous towards Oklahoma City’s playoff success.
The Clippers deserve to be called out for not trading for Jared McCain
In every way, shape, and form, the LA Clippers’ front office must hear it from the fanbase and critics for staying silent while Jared McCain was on the trade block. It was obvious to everyone the Philadelphia 76ers made a senseless decision by making him available, and despite knowing so, LA chose to be content with him moving to the top competition in the Western Conference.
The cherry on top is that the Clippers were actively seeking age-friendly talent to acquire. Hence, they traded for Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, and Isaiah Jackson, who are all 26 and under.
So, theoretically, the Clippers should’ve shown the utmost interest in McCain. He was on the table as a low-risk, high-reward move, but for reasons no fan has been able to figure out, they didn’t.
Now, while in Cancun, given the Clippers’ season ended early, they are watching McCain tear it up for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He had some solid moments in the first round, when the Thunder brought the brooms out for a sweep against the Phoenix Suns, and then, as mentioned earlier, was excellent to kick off their series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Beyond just hitting three-pointers, McCain was a true energy-setter. The Duke product had the crowd on their feet through every play he made, which is a prime example of why homecourt advantage is important.
That said, as McCain prepares to win the first title of his young career, something the Clippers have never done, Lawrence Frank and the entire front office deserve to be blamed for not doing what the Thunder did months ago.
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