76ers’ Jared McCain Suffers Thumb Injury
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb during a workout on Thursday, the team announced. This injury puts his participation at the start of the season in doubt.
The player and the team are working 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. A meniscus injury and subsequent surgery in December ended his season prematurely.
McCain was expected to have a significant role in Philadelphia this season, either as a starter alongside Tyrese Maxey or coming off the bench.
Now, McCain’s minutes could be for Quentin Grimes, assuming he reaches an agreement with the 76ers to return this season, rookie VJ Edgecombe, and veteran Kyle Lowry.
Philadelphia is already dealing with uncertain injury situations involving star center Joel Embiid and All-Star forward Paul George. There have been no updates on Embiid’s status since he underwent left knee surgery this 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 will also do so, after undergoing knee surgery in July, and an update on his status is expected soon.
The 76ers are coming off a season plagued by injuries that led them to finish with 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 over a contract, and has until October 1st to accept the one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
It was reported that Grimes is unlikely to accompany the 76ers to Abu Dhabi for their preseason games with the New York Knicks next week. Philadelphia departs on Sunday.
