Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb during a workout on Thursday, the team announced. The injury leaves his availability for the start of the 2025-26 season in doubt.
The organization said McCain, 21, is consulting hand specialists to determine an exact treatment plan and timeline for recovery.
Key role in jeopardy
Selected 16th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, McCain averaged 15.3 points across 23 games last season before a December meniscus tear and subsequent surgery sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign. He had been projected to either start alongside All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey or serve as a primary reserve in the backcourt this year.
With McCain out, minutes are expected to shift to restricted free agent Quentin Grimes—if he reaches an agreement to return—along with rookie VJ Edgecombe and veteran Kyle Lowry. Grimes and the 76ers remain at an impasse on a new contract; he has until Oct. 1 to accept a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer for 2025-26. According to multiple reports, Grimes is unlikely to travel with the club to Abu Dhabi for next week’s preseason games against the New York Knicks. The team departs Sunday.
Injury concerns extend beyond McCain
Philadelphia is already monitoring the recoveries of two stars. Center Joel Embiid has not played since February and underwent left knee surgery in the spring; no official update has been provided, though he is scheduled to address the media on Friday. Forward Paul George, who had knee surgery in July, is also expected to deliver a status report soon.
An array of injuries contributed to one of the league’s worst records last season, enabling the 76ers to secure the No. 3 pick and select Edgecombe in June.
Source: ESPN
