Jared McCains Rookie Season Cut Short by Meniscus Surgery
Jared McCain's promising rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers has been abruptly halted, as the team announced Thursday that he will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign following knee surgery. This decision comes after McCain underwent a procedure to address a lateral meniscus tear he sustained during the season.
The 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, McCain made a notable impact during his brief time on the court. Over the course of 23 games, he averaged 15.3 points per game and showcased his shooting ability with an impressive 38.3 percent from beyond the arc. McCain's performance included four games in which he scored 25 points or more, establishing him as a leading figure among rookies in three-pointers made at the time of his injury.
The injury occurred on December 13 against the Indiana Pacers, marking a significant setback for both McCain and the 76ers. At that time, McCain was one of only three players who had participated in every game of the season for Philadelphia, which was struggling with a record of 7-16. Nonetheless, the team has made strides in the right direction since, bolstered by the presence of key players Joel Embiid and Paul George. Currently, the 76ers hold a record of 15-20 and are being led by Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging 25.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Despite recent improvements, the team remains in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, complicating their pursuit of a playoff position, particularly in McCain's absence. Although his rookie campaign concluded prematurely, McCain's early performances indicate a promising future for him within the franchise.