Jared McCain (Image Credit: Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Jared McCain as the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, even before his NBA career officially begins, the young rookie has already found himself in the spotlight for reasons unrelated to basketball.

McCain has been the subject of criticism due to his presence on TikTok and his choice to paint his nails, which some people have focused on more than his athletic abilities. During a recent episode of Podcast P with Paul George, McCain addressed the negativity he’s encountered surrounding his social media presence and personal style.

“You get used to it at a certain point. I didn’t really like how just people talk about the nails, the TikToks, more than basketball. You know, I’ve done basketball since I was 3 years old,” McCain said.

“I do this stuff on the side, but obviously, that’s got me where I’m at today, but when they try and overshadow like my hard work in basketball just by saying ‘the Tiktoks’ or ‘the nails’, that’s when I hate it. But it’s something you got to live with,” he added.

Jared McCain Reflects on the NBA Draft

During a recent appearance on Paul George’s ‘Podcast P,’ McCain opened up about his expectations leading up to the draft.

“Definitely. I definitely did think I was going there. I did one one-on-[zero] workout; that was my only one. It was my last workout—it wasn’t my best workout, maybe that’s why,” McCain said.

Despite the unexpected outcome, McCain embraces his new opportunity with the 76ers. Though he might have initially envisioned himself in Sacramento, McCain is now vying to prove his worth in Philadelphia and make a name for himself in the NBA.

VIDEO: Michael Jordan’s Wife Yvette Prieto Was Causing A Major Stir While Dancing With Her Tipsy Husband During Wild Party On Their Expensive Italian Vacation

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto (Photos via Getty Images)
Like most others, Michael Jordan is attempting to make the most of his summer by taking a pleasant vacation. Online footage of the NBA legend traveling to Italy with his spouse, Yvette Prieto, has just surfaced.

In one video, Jordan and Prieto can be seen dancing at a table at what seems to be a nightclub. Like in his playing days, the six-time champion smokes a cigar on his night out. The pair eventually lose themselves in the intensity of the occasion and start dancing. Michael Jordan and his spouse traveled to Italy in elegance, as anticipated. The Chicago Bulls icon is currently on a superyacht.

Several memorable moments occurred during the evening, such as the amusing present from the nightclub: a tambourine with their faces from the same night’s picture. Prieto held the unique gift up for Jordan to see, and it caused grins and laughter.

Jordan also interacted with people on their Capri excursion, shaking hands, striking pictures at their table, and dancing with them. His approachable manner and eagerness to interact with people emphasized his genuine nature even more.