Sixers’ Jared McCain out indefinitely with torn meniscus

Sixes guard Jared McCain experienced left knee soreness after last night’s loss to Indiana and underwent an MRI on Saturday, which revealed a torn meniscus, league sources tell Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Twitter link).

According to Fischer, McCain needs surgery and will be out indefinitely. Philadelphia confirmed the news in a press release (Twitter link).

The news is devastating for the 76ers, who have struggled mightily to open 2024/25 due to injuries to Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxeyamong other things. The team was hoping to be in the title game, but is currently just 7-16, the No. 12 in the Eastern Conference.

Embiid also suffered a sinus fracture Friday, though it’s unclear how long he’ll be sidelined with his latest injury.

The 16th overall pick in June’s draft after one college season at Duke, McCain has arguably been the most productive rookie in the NBA this fall, averaging 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists on a .460 mark /.383/.875 shooting in 23 games (25.7 minutes per contest). He was named the East’s Rookie of the Month for games played in October and November.

McCain also had a very hard fall on Friday vs. Pacers, but a concussion was ultimately ruled out after multiple tests, including one today, according to Kyle Neubeck and Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports (Twitter link). It is of course little consolation, now that the 20-year-old sharpshooter is out for the foreseeable future with a knee injury.

It’s unclear how Philadelphia will look to fill the void of McCain’s pace, energy and scoring, but the second-year wing Ricky Council experienced an increase in minutes vs. Indiana and could receive more runs going forward.