Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain, 22, says he gets online hate for painting his nails and posting TikTok dances, but remains comfortable with how he expresses himself. After scoring 12 points in Game 2 versus the San Antonio Spurs, he’s expected to pla
The jokes show up in the comments long before the shot clock runs down.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain. 22. has turned his hands into part of his public identity—painting his nails in different colors with designs and posting TikTok dances for millions of followers. He says the backlash follows him wherever he posts, including homophobic slurs and hateful remarks. Still, he doesn’t slow down.
“The painting of the nails, the TikTok (dances) and being able to do that, I definitely got hate for it,” McCain told Andscape after the Thunder’s Game 2 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
McCain said the behavior wasn’t something he started to provoke anyone. He began during COVID because it’s something he enjoys. Basketball, he stressed, is still the main focus.
“But it wasn’t an in-your-face kind of thing because I started it during COVID. It’s something I like doing. But basketball has always been the main thing, and people try to deteriorate that and make it about other things.”
He also pointed to where that comfort comes from. McCain credited his parents and family for making him confident in his own skin.
“I’ve always been comfortable doing it and comfortable in my own skin. I credit my parents and my family for providing me that confidence.”
For as much as the online hate pours in, it hasn’t translated into on-court hesitation. In Game 2 against the Spurs, McCain came off the bench and played 26 minutes, recording 12 points, six rebounds and three assists in the Thunder’s win.
It’s a kind of production the team has leaned on since he arrived midseason. McCain was acquired by Oklahoma City in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. In 30 regular-season games with the Thunder. he averaged more than 10 points and two rebounds a game. becoming part of the bench unit that can change the feel of a game when starters need a breath.
Now he’ll be asked to do it again. The Thunder will rely on McCain for a spark off the bench in Game 3 against the Spurs on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Jared McCain Oklahoma City Thunder San Antonio Spurs NBA Western Conference Finals TikTok nail painting social media backlash homophobic slurs Game 2 Game 3