The Philadelphia 76ers have been hit with another unfortunate injury just as they prepare for the new season. Second-year guard Jared McCain, who was looking to return from a knee injury that ended his rookie campaign, has suffered a new setback. The timing is particularly problematic, occurring just one day before the team’s media day was set to begin, throwing a wrench into their preseason plans.

The injury is a torn UCL in McCain’s right thumb, which is his shooting hand. This news comes after he showed great promise last year, averaging 15.3 points per game before his season was cut short in December. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps highlighted the unfortunate timing, stating, “You almost can’t make it up, frankly.” The team now faces starting another season with a key player on the sidelines.

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has publicly addressed the situation. According to a report, Morey described the nature of the injury, saying McCain’s thumb injury “couldn’t have been more flukey.” He also confirmed that the team is still working with doctors to determine a clear timeline for the guard’s return. This suggests the front office views it as an unlucky accident rather than a recurring issue.

The expected recovery time for a UCL tear is typically four to six weeks, which would likely cause McCain to miss the start of the regular season. This absence immediately creates opportunities for other players on the roster. Two players in particular, rookie VJ Edgecombe and restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, are now positioned to see increased roles and minutes while McCain works his way back to full health.

Considering the Sixers open against the Boston Celtics on October 22, McCain is evidently ruled out. The irony is sharp: last year, when Tyrese Maxey sat briefly, McCain had gone off for a six-game stretch averaging 25.2 points, including scoring bursts of 27, 29, and 34. Now, his sophomore campaign faces interruption before it even starts. For a franchise banking on guard depth, this injury is not only costly but also shifts opportunities across the roster.

While the injury is a clear setback for McCain and the team, it simultaneously creates a significant opportunity for VJ and Grimes- about which let’s discuss further.

New Opportunities for Grimes and Edgecombe

The most direct beneficiary of McCain’s absence is rookie VJ Edgecombe. The 76ers selected the explosive guard with the third overall pick in this year’s draft, and he now has a clearer path to immediate playing time. While he was already expected to contribute, McCain’s injury likely means Edgecombe will have a longer leash and could see minutes in the rotation right from the start of the season. This is a chance for the rookie to show the organization he was worth the high selection.

Perhaps the player who gains the most leverage from this situation is Quentin Grimes. The restricted free agent has been in a contract standoff with the Sixers, but the team’s need for backcourt depth has now increased dramatically. Grimes, who showed flashes of strong play after being acquired last season, is in a position to secure a better deal. His ability to score and defend on the wing makes him a logical candidate to absorb the minutes left vacant by McCain’s injury.

For the 76ers, the focus shifts to getting Jared McCain healthy while integrating Edgecombe and hopefully finalizing a deal with Grimes. The team’s depth will be tested early, but it also provides a chance to evaluate their young talent under pressure. How these two players respond could significantly shape the team’s rotation for the entire season.