Jared McCain’s painted nails and TikTok dances lay bare the worst of NBA fandom

The hate targeted at the 76ers’ rookie star for being his extroverted self has renewed conversations over entrenched homophobia in sports, especially among Black men

When the Philadelphia 76ers posted a composite photo of their roster ahead of the 2024-25 season, all but one of their players stared dead-eyed at the camera. The exception, showing practically all 32 teeth in a wide smile, was the first-year guard Jared McCain. The photo would come to be indicative of the 20-year-old’s image as he began his rookie year in the NBA.

This sentiment of smiling in a roster headshot surrounded by deadpanning teammates followed McCain, not only as a player who stands out for his skill and exuberance on the court, but also as a gleeful outsider amid the Very Serious Business that is professional sports. Now there have been eccentric players in the professional ranks prior to McCain. Think Dennis Rodman, who was constantly dogged by controversy due to past problematic statements, stylistic choices or “badly practiced” behaviors. However, McCain’s nonconformity has made him easily one of the most targeted players for hate and vitriol in today’s NBA, giving rise to the “Jared McCain Problem”. His biggest controversy to date is being himself.

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