Sixers Rookie Jared McCain Out for Season After Knee Surgery

The Philadelphia 76ers announced Thursday that rookie guard Jared McCain will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season due to a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee. McCain, who underwent surgery on Dec. 17, was progressing well but will not return to the court this season.

McCain, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had been a standout performer for the Sixers, averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 23 games. He was shooting 46.0% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range before the injury sidelined him on Dec. 13.

“Update from the Sixers on Jared McCain: He was reviewed today by the surgeon who performed surgery on his left knee on Dec. 17. He is progressing well and will be out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season,” the team said in a statement.

McCain’s injury is a significant blow to the Sixers, who are struggling with a 15-20 record and sit outside the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. The 20-year-old was a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year before his injury.

“As I’ve reported in the past, Jared McCain’s surgery on his torn meniscus was a repair, not a removal. That typically carries with it a better long-term prognosis, but also a longer recovery,” said NBA reporter Ky Carlin.

The Sixers have shown some improvement recently, going 6-4 in their last 10 games. However, they remain the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference. The team will look to regroup as they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

McCain, a former Duke standout, will now focus on rehabilitating his knee and preparing for the 2025-26 season. His absence leaves a void in the Sixers’ backcourt, but the team remains hopeful for his full recovery and future contributions.