Jared McCain Suffers Injury and Casts Doubt on His Season Start with the 76ers
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 in the season opener in doubt.
The team and the player 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 selected 16th in the 2024 NBA Draft. His season was cut short in December due to a meniscus tear and subsequent surgery.
McCain was expected to have a significant role in Philadelphia this season, either as a starter alongside Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt or coming off the bench.
McCain’s injury opens opportunities for other players, including Quentin Grimes, assuming 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 he underwent left knee surgery this spring and 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 full of 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 NBA 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.
According to reports, 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.
