It has been a long and turbulent offseason for Philadelphia 76ers purists, with very little news coming out of the franchise to create much room for excitement. General manager Daryl Morey has underwhelmed supporters due to his unwavering vision of commencing the 2025/26 campaign with a nearly identical roster that finished last year with a woeful 24-58 record.
Radio silence surrounding superstar Joel Embiid's rehab, fan-favourite Guerschon Yabusele jumping ship to the New York Knicks, and a never-ending pursuit of Quentin Grimes; these are just a few small examples of the constant trauma that the Sixers' fan base must endure.
Nevertheless, a change of fortune may be on the horizon in Philadelphia as a forgotten sophomore sharpshooter has provided a positive update on his injury woes.
Jared McCain expects to participate in training camp
Finally, the 76ers' long-winded list of casualties could be about to become smaller. Jared McCain explained to Sixers Wire editor Ky Carlin that he expects to be ready to participate in training camp.
"Yeah, my plan, for sure, is to participate," McCain said. "I mean, anything can happen, but for right now, I'm on pace, and I'm doing great for that."
Jared McCain on participating in training camp: “Yeah, my plan, for sure, is to participate. I mean, anything can happen, but for right now, I'm on pace, and I'm doing great for that.” #Sixers https://t.co/atn3OjS79s via @SixersWire
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) September 3, 2025
No one can deny that the 21-year-old prides himself on a positive, yet resilient, mental attitude; however, this could suggest that McCain's ambitions do not align with the schedule that has been manufactured by Philadelphia's medical staff, who may err on the side of caution after Embiid's catastrophic rehabilitation in recent times.
Sophomore's return is a significant boost for the 76ers
Before suffering a season-ending meniscus tear in his left knee against the Indiana Pacers, Jared McCain had catapulted himself to the summit of the Kia Rookie of the Year ladder with a string of phenomenal performances.
Over 23 games, the Duke graduate showcased his devastating shooting abilities -- averaging 15.3 points per game and recording a career-high 34 points during a 114-106 defeat to Eastern Conference high-flyers, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The return of McCain does not just put extra points on the scoreboard for the Sixers, but will also alleviate the immense pressure that has been placed on the shoulders of the young superstar, Tyrese Maxey, as he continues to navigate the unprecedented expectations of being the face of a franchise in Embiid's absence.
Jared McCain does not solve the abundance of issues that the 76ers are set to face in the upcoming NBA campaign. Although what the young star does provide is a beaming sense of hope that Philadelphia fans have been void of for such a long period of time. Surely things can only get better?