NBA Snub Rubs Salt In Jared McCain’s Injury

Just as Philadelphia began relying on him, McCain’s momentum halted. On December 13th, in a game against the Indiana Pacers, he attempted a drive on Andrew Nembhard. The result? A torn meniscus.

He played just 23 games in his rookie season. His averages—15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists—painted a clear picture of a rising star. He shot 46% from the field and 38.3% from deep on nearly six attempts per game. The only thing missing was more time.

Still, even that limited sample was enough to show McCain’s potential. The Sixers had another young guard who could light up defenses and energize fans. But then it was gone, just like that.

The Jared McCain Snub Despite Strong Impact

The NBA released its All-Rookie Teams. McCain’s name wasn’t on either one. The exclusion added insult to injury—literally and figuratively.

While the league rewarded rookies who played full seasons, McCain’s 23-game stretch arguably outshined many. He received just one vote for the First Team and five for the Second Team. It wasn’t nothing, but it also wasn’t enough.

McCain didn’t fall short because of effort or ability. He simply didn’t get the chance to finish what he started. Still, voters seemed to forget how dominant he looked before his injury. That lack of recognition reopened wounds for Sixers fans still recovering from a rough season.

A Season of What-Ifs

Philadelphia’s 2024-25 season was chaotic. Star players missed time. The team battled inconsistency. Through that storm, McCain gave fans something to cheer for—until his season abruptly ended. Jared McCain’s snub from All-Rookie honors just cemented the pain of what could have been.

His absence from the rookie awards list wasn’t just a snub—it was a symbol of the Sixers’ entire year. High hopes, bright flashes, and crushing disappointment. McCain’s play offered a glimpse into a better future, but even that was taken away too soon.

Eyes on the Future

Though his rookie season ended early, McCain made his presence known. He showed he belongs in the NBA. The injury hurt, but the All-Rookie team snub might sting even more. That combination—Jared McCain snub and injury—will fuel his return.

McCain will use this as motivation. Expect him to return sharper, stronger, and with a chip on his shoulder. For Sixers fans, the hope remains: if this is what he looked like in 23 games, imagine what a full season could bring.