NBA Notes: 76ers, Jared McCain, Pelicans, Giannis Antetokounmpo

Jared McCain’s rookie year ended after just 23 games because of a lateral meniscus tear, but the 76ers guard expects to be ready for camp. Speaking at the team’s arena naming event, McCain said his rehab is on schedule.

“My plan, for sure, is to participate,” McCain said, via Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire. “I’m on pace, and I’m doing great.”

That points to him being available for Philly’s season opener Oct. 22 against the Celtics. Before the injury, McCain averaged 15.3 points on .460/.383/.875 shooting and still finished seventh in Rookie of the Year voting.

Pelicans add Brooks: The Pelicans are bringing in forward Garrison Brooks, the team announced in a press release. The deal is expected to be an Exhibit 10, which means he could land with the Birmingham Squadron if he doesn’t make the big club.

Brooks, 26, went undrafted in 2022 and has since logged time in the G League, Korea and Lithuania. Last year he averaged 7.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in EuroCup play. He also put up double-doubles in Westchester back in 2022-23, so New Orleans will at least see if he sticks.

Giannis sits with sore knee: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out Greece’s EuroBasket game against Bosnia and Herzegovina with a sore knee, per Harris Stavrou of SPORT24. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis expects him back Thursday against Spain, a matchup that could knock the Spaniards out before the round of 16.

Spain is led by Santi Aldama of the Grizzlies and veteran Juancho Hernangomez, while Greece is counting on its two-time MVP to help keep its medal hopes alive.

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