Jared McCain’s availability for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season is in question after suffering a concerning injury in practice on Thursday.
McCain, a former standout guard for the Duke Blue Devils, was an early favorite to claim the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year trophy before his season was cut short by a meniscus tear and a corresponding season-ending surgery.
Through 23 games and eight starts for the Philadelphia 76ers, the No. 16 overall pick averaged 15.3 points on 46.0% shooting from the field and 38.3% shooting from behind the 3-point arc.
One day before their NBA media day, the 76ers announced that their 2024 first-round pick suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb.
“Jared McCain suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb during a workout today,” the team wrote in its announcement on X. “McCain and the 76ers are consulting with specialists on next steps and further updates will be provided as appropriate.”
If McCain misses time to start next season, No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe will likely see more playing time alongside backcourt teammates Tyrese Maxey and Quentin Grimes.
McCain’s injury could encourage Philadelphia to come to terms with Grimes, whose contract negotiations are currently locked in a stalemate. Grimes has until Oct. 1 to decide on his one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer.
In addition to McCain’s injury, the 76ers are also dealing with injuries for superstar center Joel Embiid and veteran forward Paul George. Embiid underwent a left knee surgery this past spring, and George underwent an arthroscopic left knee procedure after suffering an injury in a workout earlier this summer.
Both Embiid and George are scheduled to speak with reporters at media day on Friday.
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