Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain, entering his second professional season, sustained a UCL tear in his right thumb during a recent workout, the team confirmed. He and the organization are currently consulting with medical specialists to ascertain the optimal course of action for his recovery.
Typically, recovery from a UCL tear spans four to six weeks, suggesting McCain could miss the commencement of the regular season. The exact duration of his absence remains uncertain until the team assesses the injury`s full severity. The 76ers are slated to kick off their 2025-26 season on October 22nd against the Boston Celtics.
This latest injury follows McCain`s extended recovery from a meniscus tear in his left knee, which prematurely ended his 2024-25 rookie campaign. Drafted 16th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, McCain showcased his potential in 23 games, averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds, with an impressive 38.3% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
Adding to the team`s concerns, star forward Paul George might also be unavailable at the start of the season. George recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee after sustaining an injury during a summer workout. His condition is expected to be reevaluated when the team`s training camp commences.
Should McCain indeed be sidelined, it is anticipated that the No. 3 overall pick, VJ Edgecombe, will see a significant increase in playing minutes.
