Don't underestimate this guy just because he paints his nails.

“Don't underestimate him because he paints his nails. He contributed tremendously for us tonight, and we're thrilled to have him.”

After the Thunder's overtime win against the Nuggets a couple of days ago, Chet Holmgren made this comment about his new teammate McCain, who had scored 14 points. In that contest, McCain went 6-for-8 from the field, 2-for-3 from beyond the arc, and netted 8 points in the pivotal fourth quarter.

According to McCain, this was a playoff preview, both in terms of the physical intensity and the overall flow of the game. This game also fully validated the Thunder's decision to trade for him, proving he is indeed a guard who can perform in high-pressure situations.

In today's game against the Bulls, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander resting, McCain played 25 minutes, shooting 8-for-15 and 4-for-9 from three-point range to score 20 points. This season with the 76ers, McCain's three-point percentage was 37.8%, but since joining the Thunder, he has shot 43% from deep. Moreover, he possesses not only a three-point shot but also a reliable mid-range jumper.

In his 11 games since being traded to the Thunder, McCain has scored in double figures 8 times and surpassed 20 points in three games, completely shaking off the slump he experienced after returning from injury with the 76ers this season. McCain is fortunate; in his first month with the Thunder, Shai has played few games, and the team's primary backup ball-handler, Mitchell, hasn't played at all, granting McCain ample playing time and opportunities.

He demonstrated his capability in just 23 games during his rookie season, leading the Rookie of the Year race with an average of 15.3 points per game. However, a subsequent meniscus tear derailed McCain's rookie campaign and fundamentally altered the trajectory of his career.

Before the injury, he was seen as the future answer for the 76ers' backcourt, with fans imagining how high his partnership with Tyrese Maxey could soar. After the injury, the 76ers quickly traded for Quentin Grimes and rapidly entered a rebuild that netted them a top-three pick, bringing the more highly-touted VJ Edgecombe to the team.

Thus, when McCain returned, he had completely lost his role, deprived of minutes and shot attempts, and was even sent to the G League to find his rhythm. He had a few decent performances but quickly fell into uncertainty again. The NBA is a brutally unforgiving world; team rosters don't stand still waiting for you, and the landscape can change dramatically in just a few months.

McCain might not have considered leaving, and the 76ers might not have actively shopped him, but when the Thunder offered a first-round pick plus three second-rounders, the 76ers decisively let him go. They achieved tax relief while acquiring four draft picks—a win-win. With VJ on the roster, McCain's future in Philadelphia looked bleak.

This is a classic win-win trade: the 76ers gain draft capital, the Thunder acquire bench firepower, and the biggest winner is undoubtedly McCain, who has returned to a comfortable environment. In fact, the level of performance McCain is delivering now might even exceed the Thunder's initial expectations.

The Thunder initially viewed McCain merely as an option to bolster bench depth, a potential lottery ticket. Instead, McCain has directly stepped into Mitchell's role, becoming the primary scorer off the bench and shooting at an elite level from the perimeter.

At the outset of this trade, the Thunder placed greater emphasis on the financial benefit of McCain's rookie-scale contract. McCain's salary this season is $4.22 million, with the remaining two seasons at $4.22 million and $6.78 million respectively. Starting next season, as the max contracts for Chet and Jalen Williams kick in, the Thunder will face significant salary cap pressure.

Their strategy is to use the cost-effectiveness of rookie contracts to alleviate that pressure. After all, they possess a surplus of first-round picks, which can be used at any time to create flexibility. It must be said that the Thunder are truly in an enviable position—their hand is stacked with ample and high-quality assets, granting them tremendous margin for error. They are poised to be championship contenders for many years to come.

Their eye for talent is indeed sharp. Although McCain is very active off the court, making short videos and dancing, it hasn't affected his competitive drive on the court one bit. When he first arrived in Oklahoma City, McCain showed up early at the training facility but couldn't get in because his facial recognition wasn't in the system; Shai had to run over and open the door for him.

Patience is the key to life. Beyond that, it's about relentless self-refinement and maintaining a positive attitude through all the ups and downs. What is meant to come will come; you just need to keep faith and believe in yourself.