76ers Guard Suffers Thumb Tear Forward of Sophomore Season

As the Philadelphia 76ers put together for the 2025–26 NBA season, followers are trying ahead to seeing guard Jared McCain again on the court docket. But the up-and-coming expertise has encountered yet one more hurdle.

The promising younger participant sustained a UCL tear in his thumb throughout coaching, drawing his return schedule into query. The Sixers are presently in search of recommendation from specialists to resolve on the optimum line of remedy.

Sixers Found Gold in McCain

Selected sixteenth general within the 2024 NBA Draft from Duke, McCain was an on the spot vibrant spot for the Sixers. He first started taking part in on a veteran-laden roster with little outlined function however quickly discovered himself getting common minutes after accidents opened up probabilities. By November, McCain had impressed to the purpose that he was a authentic candidate to be named Rookie of the Year.

In solely 23 video games, earlier than a season-ending knee harm ruined his debut season, McCain averaged 15.3 factors, 2.4 rebounds, and a pair of.6 assists per sport, based on ESPN. His capturing expertise and degree head underneath adversity offered Philadelphia with some hope that he would possibly develop right into a cornerstone of their future core.

Talented Career Short-Circuited by Injuries

McCain’s first yr was minimize quick in December after a troublesome fall towards the Indiana Pacers required knee surgical procedure. A month later, McCain stated:

“I knew right away that the mental side was probably gonna be the hardest part of it, so I definitely took some time away to—I couldn’t—it was hard to watch it a little bit.”

As the guard was set for a wholesome rebound in yr two, the thumb harm presents one other roadblock. As for the severity and restoration time, it’s unclear, however it’s an annoying setback for McCain and the Sixers franchise.

If McCain had not gotten injured, he may have had an enormous shot on the NBA 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Award, which was awarded to San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle.

Sixers’ Expectations Moving Forward

With a refueled roster and playoff hopes, Philadelphia was banking on McCain to convey power and scoring punch off the bench. His floor-stretching potential and offense-catalyzing expertise made him an indispensable X-factor within the supporting unit. Losing him, even for some time, makes the Sixers revisit their backcourt rotation and rely closely on confirmed veterans.

No Official Timeline For McCain’s Return

The Sixers medical workforce will assess all prospects, starting from relaxation and rehab to doable surgical procedure, based mostly on the extent of the UCL tear. Although no official timeline has been offered, the workforce is optimistic that the rehabilitation shall be transient so McCain could make some contribution this yr.