Sixers guard Jared McCain tears right thumb UCL, out for weeks

Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain will miss time after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb during a workout Thursday at the team's practice facility, the club announced on the eve of media day. The injury affects McCain's shooting hand and was first reported by league reporters; the team said it is consulting with specialists and will provide updates as appropriate.

The 76ers did not specify a timetable in their statement. One report cited a person familiar with the situation who said surgery is not expected to be required. ESPN reporter Tim Bontemps cautioned that the absence may not be short term, and NBA insider Brian Windhorst estimated that a UCL thumb injury typically requires about four to six weeks of recovery, putting McCain's availability for the early October start of the season in doubt.

McCain, a 2024 first round pick out of Duke, had not played since last December after tearing the lateral meniscus in his left knee. In 23 games as a rookie he averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and showed a promising three point touch that made him an early Rookie of the Year candidate. The thumb injury represents another setback for a player who was expected...