Jared McCain Flaunts His Bold, Plaid Nail Polish Ahead of Thunder’s First Win of the NBA Season

Jared McCain shows off his first manicure of the season.Credit: NBA/Instagram; Michael Gonzales/NBAE/GettyNEED TO KNOWOklahoma City Thunder star Jared McCain scored 20 points in the team’s season-opening victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, Oct. 20The guard showed off a multicolored gingham-inspired manicure featuring yellow, green, red, gray and blackMcCain joined the Thunder in February after beginning his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ersJared McCain nailed it.The Oklahoma City Thunder star, 22, is back for another NBA season — as are his bold, intricate manicures. He showed off his latest nail art on the court Tuesday, Oct. 20, as he helped lead his team to a 116-104 season-opening win over the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.As seen in a video shared by the NBA on Instagram, McCain flexed his multicolored manicure to the camera, showing off the detailed design on his fingers. Each nail was painted differently, featuring pops of yellow, green, red, gray and black with plaid patterns on each bed.Jared McCain shows off his manicure on Oct. 20, 2026.Credit: NBA/Instagram“So you know me. Gingham, I think? That’s how you say ‘plaid,’ right? It’s like another version?” he innocently questioned while showing them off.Ironically, for the NBA star who’s made a name for himself and his passion for polish, McCain arrived to Game 1 wearing black gloves. No fear, however, because he made sure to circle back for the NBA social media team and break down his design without the gloves in sight.View this post on InstagramMcCain was the 16th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024 NBA Draft. Oklahoma City acquired him in February. The shooting guard is entering his first full season with the Thunder for the 2026–27 NBA season.During the Thunder’s 116-104 victory over the Spurs, McCain shot 7-for-9 from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range, while adding two rebounds, two assists and a steal in 22 minutes. His 20 points were second on the team, only to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32-point night.Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder smiles against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 20, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.Credit: Michael Gonzales/NBAE/GettyAhead of his 2024 NBA debut, McCain — who built a strong fanbase on TikTok as a high schooler in Corona, Calif., before making a name for himself in the basketball world — spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about painting his nails and why he chooses to do it.“That’s a necessity for me, to feel myself, to be myself,” said McCain while playing for the Sixers at the time. “Probably just the team colors, but definitely it’s a necessity for me.”Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a picture at media day at 76ers training complex on Sept. 30, 2024.Credit: Mitchell Leff/GettyHowever, as he prepared to play in the NBA, McCain told PEOPLE that his experience with internet fame had readied him for the bright lights of Philadelphia and potential criticism from basketball fans who disapprove of his painted nails — not unlike the scrutiny NFL rookie Caleb Williams has faced.“As a professional athlete, there’s so much online that you can look at, or on TV, and I think taking care of my mental health has been key for me for a long time,” he said. “I think getting a head start for me, when I was in high school, has helped me keep up positive mindset, be grateful for everything I have.He added, “I think that’s helped me to be where I’m at today.”Next, the Thunder take on the Denver Nuggets at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Oct. 22.Read the original article on People