The Philadelphia 76ers and Jared McCain
The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up for the upcoming season, and one player to watch is Jared McCain. Despite facing challenges with a torn meniscus that halted his promising rookie campaign, McCain is optimistic about returning in time for training camp.
McCain’s Rookie Season
At just 21 years old, McCain’s initial foray into the NBA showed great potential, highlighted by an average of 15.3 points across 23 games before his injury during a match against the Indiana Pacers in December.
While his exact return date remains unclear, the 76ers have a preseason schedule set for October 2 and 4 in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games before kicking off the regular season on October 22 against the Boston Celtics. McCain expressed confidence in his recovery, stating,
“Right now, I’m on pace”
to rejoin the team.
Impact and Popularity
Rookie McCain made a considerable impact in his short time on the court and quickly became a fan favorite, partly due to his impressive social media presence, attracting nearly 5 million followers on TikTok. His early performances earned him the title of Eastern Conference rookie of the month for November, and he started in eight games, contributing to a Philadelphia squad that had high hopes for the season but fell into a downward spiral due to injuries, ultimately finishing the season with a disappointing 24-58 record.
Looking Ahead
McCain finds himself in good company with several key players, including stars Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George, who also faced significant time away from the game due to injuries. As the 76ers look to revamp their roster and regain their footing in the league, McCain is eager to get back on the court as soon as he receives medical clearance, mentioning,
“I still haven’t talked to them if I’m free for everything, but I’m definitely getting there.”
