Philadelphia 76ers confirmed Jared McCain sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb during a Thursday workout, with the team and player now consulting specialists on treatment and timeline decisions.

Typical recoveries for UCL thumb tears trend in the 4–6 week range, placing his availability for the Oct. 22 opener against Boston in jeopardy pending severity and course of care.

The injury was announced less than 24 hours before media day and just as McCain had targeted a full ramp-up after summer progress.

Context and stakes for Philly

This is a gut-punch for a roster that saw last season derailed by injuries to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, culminating in a 24–58 finish.

McCain had been one of the few bright spots as a rookie before a December meniscus tear ended his campaign after 23 games, where he averaged 15.3 points while shooting 38.3% from three.

With George also working back from a knee procedure, early backcourt touches could shift toward No. 3 pick V.J. Edgecombe and any incoming guard depth moves, especially with Quentin Grimes’ negotiations reportedly unresolved.

McCain’s trajectory and the next steps

Drafted 16th in 2024, McCain rapidly earned trust with shot versatility and poise, even grabbing early-season honors before the knee setback paused his ascent.

He recently said he was on pace for Opening Night, making this thumb tear a timing blow that interrupts rhythm more than it redefines ceiling, provided surgical intervention isn’t required.

The Sixers will decide treatment after specialist evaluations; if non-operative, a shorter ramp is plausible, but any procedure would extend absence and complicate rotations into the first weeks.