The Philadelphia 76ers season appears to be bleaker than ever after news of Joel Embiid‘s latest development. Injuries have all but collapsed the 2024-25 campaign. One specific injury to 76ers rookie Jared McCain was a major blow, considering how well he was playing in his first NBA season. Unfortunately, his status has not changed, and he remains out for the season. However, the latest update on his torn meniscus injury offers new details on the recovery process and timetable for return.
76ers Injury News Details Jared McCain’s Recovery
76ers Rookie Jared McCain’s Injury and Recovery Details
McCain was in the early lead for Rookie of the Year when he went down. He played in just 23 games. His injury added to the slate of injuries the Sixers were already dealing with in Embiid and Paul George. Tyrese Maxey also had his injury time out but has since returned. McCain, on the other hand, will not return this season. He was averaging 15.3 points, shooting 38.3% from three, and giving Philly fans a show before going down.
According to Dr. Derek Ochiai, a top board-certified arthroscopic hip surgeon and sports medicine doctor in Virginia, McCain’s injured meniscus has much to do with the articular cartilage, which will determine how long the recovery will take and when McCain can return. Ochiai spoke directly with nbaanalysis.net, offering medical details pertaining to McCain’s situation.
“As long as his articular cartilage (the gliding cartilage of the knee) is still intact, a time frame to return for the 2025-26 season is very reasonable…There are many other athletes who have meniscal tears that are treated with partial meniscectomy, which is removing the torn part of the meniscus…While the short-term recovery from partial meniscectomy is quicker, the disadvantage is that the normal function of the meniscus is not restored with that operation.”
Dr. Ochiai would go on to reference other athletes and various details relating to McCain. Given the information provided, Ochaia has a solid pulse on the matter. If a return for next season is in the picture, that’s good news for Philadelphia.
Looking Ahead to 2025-26
Next season could look very different in Philly, considering how this current season is going and how it could eventually end. Embiid’s future is foggy—just how many more injuries and knee problems can he endure? Could we be seeing the end of his career? It would be tragic if Embiid called it after this season. While that is speculative and hypothetical, what is true is that the Sixers need to genuinely asses their future with Embiid as the franchise’s focal point. Not to mention, where does Nick Nurse’s role come into play?
Earlier in the season, while the Sixers were spiraling out of control, Nurses’ job security was being put into question. Many believed he should have been fired. Others had a clearer perspective on the matter, recognizing and asking, “What exactly is he supposed to do?” As for McCain, provided his recovery goes soundly, he has to be a significant piece of the 76ers future. It was a small taste, but his play in those 23 games was outstanding, and his promise and potential are incredibly high.
It is unfortunate that Sixers fans will have to wait until 2025-26 to see McCain again. That said, he does give Philly fans something to look forward to. For his sake, let’s hope his recovery goes as planned and his knee can return to basketball shape once again.
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