Jared McCain Thumb Surgery: 76ers Hit New Setback

Merlin sees the setback: second‑year guard Jared McCain suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb, will undergo surgery and is expected to miss four to six weeks, per Shams Charania. That timing stings — the 2025-26 season is under a month away and McCain was a clear breakout candidate after averaging 15.3 points in 23 games and earning an early Rookie of the Month nod. Philadelphia loses a key young scorer and playmaker just as it tries to rebound from a 24–58 year. Merlin notes the pattern: another injury after last season’s meniscus tear raises durability questions and forces the Sixers to reshuffle rotations, lean on veterans and open a window for reserves. If McCain heals cleanly, he still projects as a core piece; if not, Philadelphia’s margins in the East grow thinner.