Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain made his presence felt at the 2026–27 NBA Media Day, showcasing his signature enthusiasm alongside his best friend and videographer, Nate Thai. While Media Day typically serves as an opportunity for players to discuss upcoming on-court expectations, McCain and Thai used the platform to draw attention to a critical social issue. The best friends announced a partnership with the dating app Hinge for its “How We Friend” initiative, a campaign designed to combat the growing epidemic of male loneliness affecting Gen Z.
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The “How We Friend” campaign aims to encourage young men to build deeper, more vulnerable connections, providing a counter-narrative to the difficulties Gen Z adults face when attempting to establish lasting friendships as they age out of traditional school settings.
Speaking on their dynamic, McCain highlighted how vulnerability and humor coexist within a healthy friendship, explaining, “Me and Nate, we troll all the time. But we both know if we need to have a serious conversation, we’ll get serious and we can be vulnerable with each other… We’ll have a serious conversation, and then we’ll say a joke right after. That’s just what friends are for. They can help you be a better version of yourself.”
Thai echoed those sentiments, reflecting on how their bond developed rapidly over a short period, stating, “I used to always think whoever you’ve known the longest is your best friend. I just met Jared two and a half years ago, and that’s my guy. That’s my brother for real. In three years, I feel like I’ve known him my whole life.”
Hinge’s new research backs McCain and Thai. Gen Z men already have and desire deep friendships. 71% of US Gen Z men and 65% of UK Gen Z men say that willingness to be vulnerable is important in friendship.
The friendship between McCain and Thai has resonated with Thunder fans through the 22-year-old’s popular YouTube series. During Media Day, Thai participated in the team festivities wearing McCain’s former No. 30 jersey, the number McCain initially held upon joining OKC late in the 2025-26 season, adding to the lighthearted environment surrounding the team’s return to work.
Thai’s behind-the-scenes camera work has documented the guard’s rise, turning Thai into a mascot for OKC fans. Around the facility, Thunder players treat Thai like a younger brother, reflecting how McCain’s inner circle has seamlessly integrated into the organization’s tight-knit culture.
For McCain, who was traded from the 76ers to the Thunder at the February trade deadline, he’s already working on building his connections in his new team.
Jared McCain at the heart of Thunder’s training camp dynamics
Following the festivities of Media Day, the Thunder transitioned directly into training camp as they prepare for the 2026–27 regular season. McCain, entering his third NBA season, spent significant portions of the offseason training alongside key teammates.
McCain was seen putting in extended post-practice work alongside reigning 2x NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The pair cycled through off-ball scoring and catch-and-shoot drills long after standard practice concluded, pointing toward potential tactical adjustments for OKC’s offense heading into their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs.
SGA also left McCain in a cloud of dust, sprinting into training camp, and it went viral within hours. Hilariously, Jalen Williams caught wind of the viral clip and, since he’s on a social media roll, had to roast McCain, posting, “Aye Jared just slow tho.”
That wasn’t all for McCain’s first day of training camp at OKC. He even got to practice with and impress All-Star center Chet Holmgren.
The big man had some big praise for McCain’s dedication, telling reporters, “He’s a worker — you love to see it… He’s driving across LA to come play with us… he’s a grinder. We saw it last year, but where you really get to see it and notice it from guys is when you get into the offseason. He’s very intentional about his work. It was great to be in the gym with him, and get that work in.”
Though Jalen Williams poked fun at the viral clip of SGA out-sprinting McCain, the overall mood around Oklahoma City remains focused. By bringing his best friend into the fold, producing engaging content, and diving headfirst into elite training habits, McCain continues to demonstrate that building friendships and professional success can go hand in hand.