Sixers' injury issues are already building this preseason

The Sixers could be without Embiid and George, too 

To make matters worse for the Sixers, they could be heading into the new season without George and Embiid. Both veterans underwent surgery this summer, and neither appears to have a schedule set for their return. 

“We don’t have a timeline,” Embiid told ESPN's Dotun Akintoye earlier this summer. “Hopefully, sooner rather than laterv… I don’t know how they (the Sixers) feel. The only thing I’d say is — this is a business. It’s all about the results ... If I come back early enough and I’m still not myself, guess what? You’re not winning any games.”

Adding McCain to the injury report means the Sixers will have three members of the rotation on the shelf over the opening weeks. Nurse will be operating under increasingly difficult circumstances for the second straight season. 

It's also worth noting that both Embiid and George are long-term injury concerns. Even when they're back on the floor, their minutes will need to be managed to ensure they're fit and ready when the postseason rolls around. 

V.J. Edgecombe could be thrust into a bigger role

V.J. Edgecombe joined the Sixers with the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft. The coaching staff will likely have a directive to ensure the rookie guard gets enough playing time to fast track his development. 

Nevertheless, McCain also deserved additional minutes in the coming season. Those minutes will likely go to Edgecombe now, giving him a sizeable role in the rotation, either off the bench or as part of the starting lineup. 

Edgecombe is an exciting young talent. Yet, expectations should always be limited where rookies are concerned. The Sixers likely wanted to protect their latest addition by managing his minutes and the situations he was tasked with playing in. That plan likely has changed. 

Fortunately for the Sixers, Edgecombe is good enough to rise to the challenge. How that impacts McCain upon his return will be an interesting subplot, though.