Nov 22, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) reacts to his three-pointer against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

'The Universe is Throwing Haymakers at Me' – Philadelphia 76ers Guard Makes Painful Admission Amid Latest Injury Setback

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 8:54 AM ET

Jared McCain has been hit by one injury setback after another, and the Philadelphia 76ers guard said he’s doing his best to stay optimistic.

The 21-year-old guard had his rookie NBA season cut short to 23 regular season games due to a torn meniscus in his left knee . Most recently, McCain had surgery on his right thumb after he sustained the injury before the Philadelphia 76ers’ training camp began.

“The universe is throwing haymakers at me, but it’s all part of the process,” McCain said about his latest injury via Ky Carlin of the Sixers Wire. “It sucks because I feel like I was right there, so close to being back, and then just another setback. I’m always gonna stay grounded. Stay grounded, stay with gratitude, but yeah, just been doing simple stuff. I can’t really do too much with the brace on, but moving at the same timeline as they said, and we’ll see where it goes.”

Nov 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) controls the ball against Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

“It was such a freak, like, stupid little thing… I went to the training room, and I was crying. I immediately started crying. It’s just so frustrating when that happens. I knew something was wrong immediately. But after a few days, I kind of calmed down. I got in a depressive state, but I was good and I’m back to my normal self now,” he added.

Philadelphia 76ers News: Jared McCain draws huge compliment from head coach

Nick Nurse recently shared his thoughts on Jared McCain’s recent setback, and the Philadelphia 76ers head coach commended the former Duke Blue Devil for his relentless approach to rehab.

Jan 31, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) reacts before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

“All I know is I get here pretty early in the morning and he’s usually out on the court doing something,” Nurse said about McCain via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “And he’s continuing to have this ‘I’m not going to be denied’ attitude.”

“He can only do stuff left-handed, but he’s doing as much basketball stuff as he can until he’s allowed to start using his right hand. He’s conditioning as hard as he can. He’s totally engaged and involved,” he continued. “He’s over there dying to get back on the floor. He really, really is doing everything he possibly can to get out there, and we can’t wait to have him back.”