The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a 2-0 start following an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign, and Jared McCain may be nearing a return to game action.
The 21-year-old suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb in late September and underwent surgery shortly thereafter. It was initially reported he would miss four to six weeks, and he has been making steady progress in his recovery.
According to Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com, McCain was seen putting up shots Monday and has moved on to a “playing brace.” The club is expected to provide another update on the Duke product's status in approximately one week.
Jared McCain is getting shots up after Sixers shootaround. He seems to have moved on to the “playing brace” on his right hand. Update on McCain likely coming in the next week or so. pic.twitter.com/37gHIYE1sr
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) October 27, 2025
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Jared McCain aims to rebound from injury-shortened rookie season
McCain's first year-plus in the NBA has not gone according to plan. The No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, McCain impressed over 23 regular-season appearances last season, during which he averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 38.3 percent from three-point range in 25.7 minutes per contest.
However, the 6-foot-2 guard's rookie season was cut short by a meniscus tear in his left knee. McCain was also unable to participate in Summer League action but appeared ready to return by the start of the 2025-26 campaign before sustaining the thumb injury.
Still, he appears to be nearing a return in the next couple of weeks and will look to make an impact. While it's currently unclear whether he'll be on a minutes restriction once he returns, the Sixers have plenty of backcourt talent — including Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes — allowing them to ease McCain back into form.
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