Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb during today’s workout, sources close to the team told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps Thursday.
McCain and the 76ers are working with experts to decide how to proceed. Typical recovery time for UCL tear in the thumb can range from weeks to six months.
A mild sprain (level I) takes two to four weeks, a modern sprain (level 2) takes four to eight weeks, and a severe sprain (level 3) takes three to six months of surgery.
Jared McCain
McCain said his plan “certainly” was made the news just weeks after his promising rookie season shortened his plans due to tough meniscus.
“Now, I’m on the pace,” McCain said on September 2. The 76ers and flyers unveiled the signage of Xfinity Mobile Arena, the arena (formerly known as Wells Fargo Center).
The Sixers selected McCain at the 2024 NBA Draft. In 36 games against the Blue Devils, he averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) September 25, 2025
McCain, 21, started his NBA career expectations last season before tearing his left knee crescent in a game against the Indiana Pacers in December.
In 23 games (eight games) of the 2024-25 season, he averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 25.7 minutes of games, while the floor shot 46% from the field and 38.3% from three-pointers.
The All-Star three of the 76ers played 14 games together
McCain entered the starting rotation before his injury and received Rookie Eastern Conference honors in November. He recorded a season high of 34 points and 10 assists in Cleveland on November 13.
However, McCain joined Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George’s 76ers All-Star trio, who was there for most of the season due to injuries.
Maxey, Embiid and George played 14 games together, accounting for only 11.2% of the total property in these appearances. As a result, coach Nick Nurse used the league’s highest 55 different starting lineups.
The 76ers finished the game 24-58, including 5-31 shots to finish the season. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, about 77% ($146 million) of payrolls tied with Maxie, Embiid and George.
The Sixers competed at the preseason NBA Abu Dhabi Olympics on October 2 and October 4.
Philadelphia opened on Oct. 22 on the road against the Boston Celtics.
