One of the few positives for the Philadelphia 76ers this injury-filled season has been rookie Jared McCain’s performance, but now he’s sidelined with a meniscus tear.
Injury Details:
Jared McCain suffered a fall during Friday nightโs game against the Indiana Pacers, which initially put him in concussion protocol. Although he was cleared to return to play, an MRI later revealed a torn meniscus in his left knee that requires surgery.
Breaking: Jared McCain is out indefinitely after an MRI revealed a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee, the team announced.
— ESPN (@espn)
Scary Moments on Court:
McCain’s fall was frightening as his head bounced off the court. Thankfully, he seemed okay at first, but it turned out worse than expected with the knee injury.
Although heโs back in, this was a really scary fall from Jared McCainโฆ
Always terrifying any time the back of your head bounces off the court like that. Very glad he seems to be ok, but still awful.
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24)
Team Challenges:
This kind of misfortune is typical for Philadelphia this season. Joel Embiid also left the same game due to a sinus fracture after only playing six games this season. Before getting hurt, McCain was one of only three players who played every game alongside Kelly Oubre Jr. and Guerschon Yabusele.
Fans are really feeling bummed about all these injuries.
Before his injury, McCain had been shining brightly by scoring an average of 15.3 points and shooting 38.3% from three-point rangeโimpressive for a rookie drafted at No. 16! He even scored over 20 points in eight games and had an amazing comeback win against Brooklyn Nets where he boldly declared himself “Rookie of the Year!”
"I'M THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR!"
โJared McCain ๐ฅ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter)
Future Hopes and Concerns:
The Sixers aimed high this year with plans to build around Joel Embiid after freeing up cap space last season, but injuries have derailed those hopes so far with their current record standing at 7-16. Despite needing him back on court soonest possible, they must be cautious not to rush McCainโs recovery given how similar injuries have affected players like Lonzo Ball and James Wiseman long-term.
Yet there’s still some hope since they’re just two games away from making it into the Eastern Conference play-in spotโand luckily enoughโthe team currently holding that position recently traded away their starting point guard! So maybe things arenโt entirely bleak for Philly just yet…
