The Group Chat: In a world of toxic men, be like Jared McCain

It’s an absolutely exhausting time to be a woman — in sports, at school, in politics, in almost every facet of life. It feels like every week harbors a new (or renewed) attack on a woman’s ability to safely move through this world. That’s why we’re thankful that in a world littered with toxic men, NBA star Jared McCain is flipping the script.

• When we sat down with the 22-year-old, one thing became abundantly clear: McCain is a walking green flag, from his painted nails to his intentional vulnerability. Consider this a palate cleanser.

👏 Jared McCain is unapologetically himself

Sports fans know McCain because of his on-court acumen, whether at Duke or with his current NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he’s beloved because of who he is off the court. McCain has never faltered in sharing the most authentic version of himself: He dances like nobody’s watching, sings literally all the time, and is often rocking a fresh manicure (shoutout Analysse, the real MVP).

• 💅 McCain’s favorite set? A high school throwback, where he added the logo of every team his championship-winning squad beat in the playoffs to his nails. Ice freaking cold.

• Whether he’s doing yoga (a favorite hobby), kicking around a soccer ball with pals, or hitting the court, McCain’s joy is evident: It’s usually plastered on his face with that signature grin.

🤝 He’s also a very good friend

The face of Hinge’s new “How We Friend” campaign alongside his best friend Nate, McCain is challenging the stereotypes of male friendship. “It's kind of a joke online…[Men] don't know much about [their friends].” The duo’s making a case for friendships that have genuine emotional range.

• And McCain’s preaching to the choir: “[Women] are really good at knowing [someone] on a deeper level. And so with me and Nate, we can have those serious conversations…[and] be vulnerable.” Yes to all of that.

❤️‍🩹 McCain isn’t afraid of vulnerability

He wears his heart on sleeve — and not just with his friends. Yes, the pro basketball world is “a little more serious,” but that hasn’t stopped him from putting himself out there and openly sharing his thoughts and feelings (as well as his always-viral TikTok dances). McCain’s “never felt like [he] needed to hold that in.”

• For example, he lamented the off-court challenges of being traded midseason: the inability to say goodbye to the spaces he loved (he was traded on a road trip), the reality of finding a new home, and the fear of wondering whether his new teammates would like him.

• It’s refreshing to hear a man speak so thoughtfully about his life experiences, good and bad. Seems like Mrs. and Mr. McCain knocked the whole parenting thing out of the park.

🤓 Oh, and he’s smart, too

If there’s one more thing McCain wants you to know about him, it’s that he’s never received a B. No, seriously. Male athletes in particular are often criticized for neglecting their education while they pursue a pro career — but not McCain, who maintained a 4.0 GPA through school and prides himself on working hard on and off the court.

• His dedication to education continues to this day. This summer, McCain helped fulfill the classroom wish lists of teachers (who typically pay out of pocket to stock their classrooms) across Oklahoma. Always walking that walk.