Jared McCain of the 76ers Suffers Thumb Injury: Is the Season Start at Risk?
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb during a practice on Thursday, the team announced. This injury puts his participation in the season opener in doubt.
The team and the player are consulting with specialists to determine the next steps in their treatment plan.
McCain, 21, averaged 15.3 points in 23 games last season, after being the 16th pick in the 2024 NBA draft. His season was cut short prematurely in December due to a meniscus tear and subsequent surgery.
McCain was expected to play a significant role for Philadelphia this season, either as a starter alongside Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt or coming off the bench.
Now, McCain’s minutes could be for Quentin Grimes, as long as he reaches an agreement with Philadelphia to return this season, rookie VJ Edgecombe and veteran Kyle Lowry.
Philadelphia already faces uncertainty with injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George. There have been no updates on Embiid’s status since his left knee surgery in the spring, and he hasn’t played since February after participating in only 19 games this season.
Embiid is scheduled to speak at media day on Friday. George too, who underwent knee surgery in July and is expected to soon provide an update on his status.
The 76ers are coming off a season plagued by injuries that led them to have one of the worst records in the league, which allowed them to move up to third place in the NBA draft lottery and select Edgecombe in the June draft.
Meanwhile, Grimes remains at a standstill with the 76ers regarding his contract and has until October 1st to accept the qualifying offer of one year and $8.7 million for the 2025-26 season.
According to reports, Grimes is unlikely to accompany the 76ers to Abu Dhabi for their preseason games against the New York Knicks next week. Philadelphia departs on Sunday.
