Sixers guard Jared McCain sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb during a workout today, reports Tim Bontemps of ESPN (via Twitter).
According to Bontemps, McCain and the team are consulting with specialists to determine the best course of action regarding the injury.
The Sixers officially confirmed the unfortunate news in a press release (Twitter link).
It’s yet another injury blow for the 76ers, who have dealt with numerous absences to key players over the years. That was particularly true in 2024/25, when Philadelphia went just 24-58 after handing out several lucrative contracts in the 2024 offseason.
It’s also an unfortunate setback for McCain, who was one of the early bright spots amid a disappointing start last season. The No. 16 pick of the 2024 draft, McCain was among the Rookie of the Year frontrunners to open ’24/25, averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds on .460/.383/.875 shooting in 23 games (25.7 MPG) prior to suffering a season-ending injury — a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, which required surgery — in December.
McCain expressed optimism earlier this month about being ready for the start of training camp. Philadelphia’s Media Day is tomorrow.
Citing information from InStreetClothes.com, Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports writes that players who suffer a torn UCL during the season typically miss about seven-and-a-half weeks of action (Twitter link). That would theoretically put McCain on track to return in late November.
It’s unclear if McCain’s injury will impact the 76ers’ contract negotiations with restricted free agent guard Quentin Grimes, with the two sides reportedly “very far apart” in talks ahead of the October 1 qualifying offer deadline.
And so it begins again …
trust the process…d’oh!
Grimes leverage has finally ticked up, just in time.
Why…
Embiid setback in 3, 2, 1.
They lose McCain again. And they don’t want to pay Grimes. Maaaann