Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain has partnered with dating app Hinge and his best friend Nate Thai to launch the How We Friend initiative, a campaign aimed at addressing male loneliness by promoting emotional vulnerability among Gen Z men.
The initiative is part of Hinge's broader One More Hour project and highlights how young men can support each other during personal crises.
The partnership follows new survey data from over 4,700 Gen Z adults in the United States and the United Kingdom, revealing shifting dynamics in male friendships.
According to the research, 71% of U. S.
and 65% of U. K.
Gen Z men see a willingness to be vulnerable as essential in friendship.
Additionally, 54% of U. S.
and 59% of U. K.
Gen Z respondents said they turn to friends first when facing struggles, prioritizing peer support over family or romantic partners.
Despite wanting connection, social anxiety affects 66% of U. S.
Gen Z men trying to meet new people.
Other barriers include not knowing where to find prospective friends (64%), scheduling difficulties (62%), and uncertainty about whether the other person seeks friendship, cited by 66% of U.
S. and 65% of U.
K. respondents.
McCain's Personal Experience With Vulnerability
McCain pointed out common misunderstandings about emotional openness among male peers.
"A big misconception about male friendship in general is they don't talk about their feelings," McCain said.
He explained that his close bond with Thai provided critical emotional support when he suffered a season-ending lateral meniscus tear in his left knee on Dec.
13, 2024, while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers before his trade to Oklahoma City.
"When I first got the call that I tore my meniscus, the first thing [Thai] said to me was, 'At least you have another leg,' which I love," McCain said.
"It's such a Nate comment to make. And from then on, he helped me.
I couldn't leave my bed for a while and he was there for me."
Thai reflected on how their rapid connection redefined his perspective on long-term relationships.
"I used to always think whoever you've known the longest is your best friend," Thai said.
"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."
McCain stressed that emotional discussions do not prevent lighthearted interactions between friends.
"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," McCain said.
McCain encouraged other young men to overcome hesitation when communicating their mental health concerns.
"One piece of advice I'd give for male friendships would be don't be afraid to be vulnerable with them," McCain said.
"If it's really your friend, they won't joke about it or not take it seriously.
If you really feel like you need to talk to someone about a serious situation, an issue you're having, your mental health, or anything around that, I think you should feel comfortable.
And don't be shy about it. It's okay to have that conversation and go right back to trolling.
We'll have a serious conversation, and then we'll say a joke right after."
Thai added that navigating personal routines and emotional growth remains central to their dynamic.
"We both work on our emotional maturity and how we can process things," McCain said. "He knows my routines and how I can be better emotionally.
When we're getting upset or when we're getting mad, we handle that very well and we can have those conversations because we're so close like that."
McCain noted that genuine friends actively foster personal development.
"They can help you be a better version of yourself," McCain said.
Offseason Work and Preseason Outlook
Alongside his advocacy work, McCain participated in offseason workouts with teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and earned praise from center Chet Holmgren.
"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," Holmgren said.
McCain is scheduled to feature in the starting lineup alongside Ajay Mitchell, Bennett Stirtz, Kenrich Williams, and Aday Mara for Oklahoma City's preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, with the team resting its regular starters.
