BREAKING: Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain has suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb during a workout on Thursday, raising serious doubts about his availability for the start of the upcoming NBA season. The team confirmed the injury and announced that McCain is currently consulting with specialists to determine the next steps in his treatment plan.
At just 21 years old, McCain was poised to play a vital role for the 76ers this season, potentially starting alongside All-Star Tyrese Maxey or coming off the bench. This injury follows a challenging previous season where McCain averaged 15.3 points over 23 games before a meniscus tear cut his season short. Now, his recovery timeline is uncertain, and the 76ers are already grappling with other key injury concerns.
The 76ers face additional challenges as superstar center Joel Embiid is still recovering from left knee surgery and has not played since February, missing most of last season. Paul George is also expected to update his status following knee surgery this past July. Both players are scheduled to speak at media day on Friday, adding to the urgency surrounding the team’s preparations.
With McCain sidelined, Quentin Grimes is expected to take over his minutes, but a contract stalemate remains. Grimes must decide by October 1 whether to accept a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer from the 76ers. Reports suggest he may miss the team’s preseason games in Abu Dhabi against the New York Knicks next week, further complicating Philadelphia’s roster.
The 76ers are coming off a tumultuous season marred by injuries, resulting in one of the league’s worst records. The team’s struggles allowed them to secure the third overall pick in the NBA draft, where they selected rookie VJ Edgecombe. As the team navigates these critical injuries, the pressure mounts to build a competitive roster ahead of the new season.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting updates on McCain’s condition and the status of Embiid and George. With training camp approaching, every moment counts for the 76ers as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Stay tuned for further developments as the team works to address these urgent injury issues.
