Sport

76ers' Jared McCain: Appreciating the Rising Stars Selection After Knee Surgery

2025-01-29

Author: Wai

PHILADELPHIA – Despite facing a heartbreaking end to his rookie season due to left knee surgery, 76ers guard Jared McCain had a reason to celebrate on Tuesday. McCain was named to the Rising Stars Challenge, securing one of ten coveted rookie roster spots to compete with other young talents at the NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco next month.

“I’ve always dreamed of being part of that game,” exclaimed McCain, overwhelmed with joy upon receiving the news. His agent surprised him with a text showcasing the roster, and he was thrilled at the honor that recognizes his potential despite the setbacks he faced.

Drafted 16th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers out of Duke University, the 20-year-old guard had a promising start to his NBA career, averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and shooting 46% from the field, including 38.3% beyond the arc during his 23 games. However, tragedy struck on December 13 during a matchup against the Indiana Pacers, when he suffered a torn meniscus that abruptly ended his remarkable rookie journey.

Following surgery on December 17, his recovery was closely monitored, but it was confirmed by team doctors on January 9 that he would not return for the remainder of the season. This unfortunate turn of events cut short what had been a stellar debut, one that saw him earn Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors in November.

Using a cane for support as he addressed the media prior to a game, McCain opened up about the unfortunate incident. Initially, he worried that he had sustained a concussion after a fall on the court, but after passing the concussion protocol and continuing to play, it was his knee that raised concerns. With the knee swelling overnight and accompanied by pain, McCain promptly informed the medical staff, leading to an MRI that revealed the severity of the injury.

“I broke down in tears,” he admitted, recalling the emotional toll of the diagnosis. “It was devastating to think about how much effort I had put in to reach the NBA, only for it to be taken away so quickly. But now, I’m focused on recovery, one step at a time.”

In a show of solidarity, 76ers superstar Joel Embiid reached out to McCain via FaceTime after the surgery, sharing his own experiences with injuries during the early stages of his career. “He offered me advice on how to handle this tough time, which really meant a lot,” McCain said, highlighting the camaraderie within the team.

During his recovery, McCain has embraced the downtime by not only focusing on his rehabilitation but also enriching his personal growth. He has been learning Spanish, taking up piano lessons, and engaging in daily mental exercises. “I’ve started journaling and meditating, adding visualization techniques to help picture a healthy knee,” he explained. “Creating a goal board has also kept me motivated as I stay active in my recovery.”

While McCain’s rehabilitation at present mainly revolves around walking on an altered-gravity treadmill, he remains cautious about the Rising Stars game. “I’m taking it slowly; I don’t want to risk any setbacks. Full recovery is the goal, and I’m keeping that front and center in my mind,” he emphasized.

As McCain ponders his future, his resilience and dedication shine through, showing that while the road ahead may be challenging, his passion for the game and commitment to recovery are unwavering.

Stay tuned to see how the young star navigates his recovery and potentially lights up the Rising Stars Challenge stage!