During the recent unveiling of the Philadelphia 76ers` new classic jerseys, an unexpected moment stole the spotlight. Attention shifted from the new attire to rookie guard Jared McCain`s perceived bench press capabilities, sparking a humorous viral sensation online.
McCain was featured in a photograph wearing the team`s throwback Allen Iverson-era uniform while casually seated on a weight bench. Eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed a peculiar detail: the barbell appeared to be loaded with only 2.5-pound plates on each side. This observation prompted a user on X (formerly Twitter) to post a question that rapidly went viral: `Why is Jared McCain bench pressing 2.5lb plates?`
The post gained significant traction across social media platforms. McCain, known for his witty online presence, addressed the comments directly on his Instagram story. He initially shared a post stating “Working on it” accompanied by two sad emojis, playfully acknowledging the jest. He then followed up with a video of himself humorously curling an 8-pound dumbbell, fully embracing the lighthearted mockery.
With an impressive following of 4.4 million on TikTok, McCain is recognized for his engaging and often humorous social media content. Last year, a video he posted from the 76ers locker room alongside teammate Kyle Lowry garnered over seven million views, showcasing his knack for digital virality.
The 21-year-old showcased a promising start to his NBA career during his rookie campaign. He averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds across 23 games, performance which earned him a coveted spot in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend.
Regrettably, his season was cut short prematurely. In December, McCain suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee, which necessitated surgery. A month later, the 76ers officially ruled him out for the remainder of the season to focus on his recovery.
Rupert Hollis