Why Blake Griffin Thinks Jared McCain Was Undervalued

By VirentaNews Staff — May 09, 2026

Did the Philadelphia 76ers make a critical miscalculation in trading Jared McCain? That’s the question reverberating through NBA circles after veteran forward Blake Griffin made a pointed comment during a recent podcast appearance. Speaking on the “Taylor Dirk Steve UD” show at the 5:11 mark, Griffin, known for his sharp basketball IQ, remarked, “They didn’t sell high enough.” The statement, brief but loaded, suggests the 76ers moved on from the promising rookie guard before his stock peaked. With Philadelphia in a transitional phase, the timing and return on McCain—initially celebrated as a steal in the 2023 draft—have come under scrutiny. Was this a prudent reset or a missed opportunity to leverage early hype into a bigger haul?

What Griffin’s Comment Really Means

Blake Griffin’s assertion that the 76ers “didn’t sell high enough” hinges on the idea that Jared McCain’s value briefly surged beyond his long-term projection, creating a fleeting window for maximum trade return. Drafted 16th overall in 2023, McCain quickly gained attention for his explosive scoring, three-point shooting, and infectious energy during Summer League and early regular-season appearances. At just 19, his potential sparked excitement among fans and scouts alike, briefly positioning him as a rising asset. Griffin, who has navigated both peak performance and roster transitions throughout his career, believes Philadelphia acted too soon—trading McCain before that momentum could be converted into higher-value draft capital or a more impactful player. In NBA front offices, the art of “selling high” is crucial: moving a player when perception outpaces reality can yield disproportionate returns. Griffin implies the 76ers may have underestimated that window.

Supporting the ‘Sell High’ Argument

There’s evidence backing Griffin’s perspective. According to NBA.com/stats, McCain averaged 14.3 points and 2.7 three-pointers per 36 minutes in his first 15 games, shooting 38.6% from deep—numbers that, while small-sample, resembled those of established rotation guards. Analysts at Basketball Reference noted his Player Impact Estimate (PIE) of 12.1 during that stretch, outpacing many second-year players. “Rookie hype is real, and teams often overvalue it,” said ESPN’s Kevin Pelton in a recent segment, “but that overvaluation is precisely what smart teams exploit in trades.” The Indiana Pacers’ acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton in 2022 for Domantas Sabonis is a textbook example of capitalizing on perceived upside. Had Philadelphia waited a few more weeks—perhaps until the trade deadline, when demand for backcourt depth spikes—they might have commanded a first-round pick or a young, protected asset. Instead, McCain was dealt mid-season for a late second-rounder and a bench wing, a return now viewed by some as underwhelming.

Counterarguments: Timing and Long-Term Fit

Still, not everyone agrees with Griffin’s critique. Skeptics argue that McCain’s early production was unsustainable and that Philadelphia’s decision was rooted in long-term roster clarity. The 76ers were simultaneously building around Tyrese Maxey and evaluating their commitment to James Harden’s extension, leaving little backcourt room for a project like McCain. His defensive limitations and high-usage tendencies clashed with the team’s evolving identity. As NBA.com’s John Schuhmann pointed out, “Rookie success doesn’t always translate—look at Jalen Suggs’ early numbers versus his development curve.” Additionally, McCain’s shooting percentages regressed after the initial burst, and his assist-to-turnover ratio remained below league average. From a strategic standpoint, the front office may have prioritized cap flexibility and draft equity over betting on uncertain growth. In this view, Griffin’s comment reflects nostalgia for potential rather than a cold-eyed assessment of fit and sustainability.

Real-World Impact on Team Strategy

The McCain trade has broader implications for how teams manage young talent in an era of rapid information and heightened speculation. The Sacramento Kings, for example, are now reportedly reevaluating their own young guards after seeing how quickly McCain’s value was debated. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s return—though modest—allowed them to absorb a salary in a separate deal, positioning them for a larger move at the deadline. The episode also highlights the growing influence of player and veteran opinion in shaping public perception of front-office decisions. Griffin, though retired from full-time play, remains a respected voice, and his critique adds pressure on executives to justify asset-timing calls. For fans, it underscores the tension between emotional investment in rising stars and the clinical calculus of roster construction—where sentiment often loses to spreadsheets.

What This Means For You

If you’re an NBA fan, Griffin’s comment is a reminder that player value is as much about timing and narrative as it is about stats and skill. Understanding when a team “sells high” helps decode trade logic beyond surface-level reactions. For fantasy basketball players and draft enthusiasts, it’s a lesson in recognizing peak hype cycles before they deflate. Front offices aren’t just evaluating talent—they’re managing perception, and missing that window can mean the difference between a franchise-altering return and a minor roster tweak.

But the bigger question remains: How should teams balance short-term asset maximization against long-term development? If McCain blossoms into a star elsewhere, does that invalidate Philadelphia’s process—or simply reflect the inherent uncertainty of player evaluation? And in a league where analytics, emotion, and timing collide, who truly decides when a player’s stock has peaked?

Source: Youtube