Jared McCain is sidelined by right-thumb UCL repair after surgery, with a four-week reevaluation ahead as Philadelphia plots guard depth behind Tyrese Maxey. The 21-year-old flashed as a rookie with 15.3 PPG and a 38.3% 3PT clip in just 23 games, and his absence could accelerate Maxey's heavy usage while Edgecombe, Grimes, and others push for minutes.

McCain’s path back comes after last season’s left-knee meniscus injury; he was cleared for camp before the setback. The Sixers open exhibition play in Abu Dhabi against the Knicks, then the regular season vs the Celtics. Iverson’s precedent as a double-digit scorer and three-point threat looms as a benchmark for McCain’s return and the club’s guard rotation plans.