Among the worst things that happened to the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2025 season was Jared McCain's season-ending meniscus tear. McCain was one of the early bright spots during their abysmal start, and his rookie season ended very prematurely.
Luckily, McCain should fully recover by the time the 2026 season starts. While talking with HoopsHype’s Cyro Asseo, McCain gave an update on where he is right now, health-wise.
“It’s going great,” McCain told Asseo. “Slowly getting back. I’m not trying to rush back, of course. I’m taking my time.” Also, per Asseo, “McCain added he’s done running, skipping, and jumping thus far.”
The Sixers are already riding high from getting the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft lottery. Knowing that McCain’s progress is going steadily has to make them feel good. Philadelphia will need their roster to be fully healthy to return to playoff contention, and McCain should play a part in that.
His rookie season was so impressive that, despite being cut short, he still received a third-place vote for Rookie of the Year. There’s a lot to check off for the Sixers’ offseason. They’ve already checked off one task by avoiding giving the Oklahoma City Thunder a high lottery pick. Next is re-signing Quentin Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele.
If McCain returns and builds on a very promising first NBA season, the Sixers have to feel good about their chances of returning to the team they once were. Plenty of factors will go into how the Sixers’ season goes in 2026, but at the very least, it shouldn’t be a repeat of 2025.
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