Just when the stars seem to be slowly aligning for the Philadelphia 76ers to at least have a decent start to the season, the basketball gods decided that there has way too much optimism going on around the team as of late and so, they threw a brand new curveball on their way as incoming sophomore Jared McCain sustained yet another setback.
The eccentric guard, who was highly anticipated to get back to the hardwood after a torn meniscus cut short what was otherwise a splendid freshman campaign, reportedly suffered a UCL tear on his right thumb. It is unknown what the next step will be, but it seems like he is now guaranteed to miss a huge chunk of the first part of the upcoming campaign.
That absolutely sucks for him and the team. McCain is looking to reassert himself on the squad's pecking order given his wildly effective play even as a rookie, and the 76ers were likewise expecting great things from the young guard as potentially the main sidekick to Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt. Now, those things have been put on an indefinite hold.
Of course, there is nothing good that will come out of this. But for a certain player, this could actually open a door that was already believed to be shut close.
Quentin Grimes now has leverage as 76ers look for answers without Jared McCain
Philly still has VJ Edgecombe to help bolster the backcourt in McCain's stead, but he will not be enough. That is where Quentin Grimes becomes all the more important, although he has understandably soured over recent developments with his contract.
The 76ers do not seem interested in handing him anything close to the price tag he is seeking, but after what happened to McCain, Grimes' camp will most certainly try to engage the 76ers even harder.
Nearly everyone in the organization appears to be operating under the belief that Grimes will return one way or the other, but McCain's absence will definitely make the front office sweat. The expectation is that the 25-year-old will settle for the qualifying offer, but there is now a chance that the worm will turn in his favor.
How much leverage will this give Grimes? That we don't know. But if there is one thing people cannot deny, it is that the 76ers need him to return to the squad more than ever.