Jared McCain’s rookie season didn’t end the way it was supposed to. The Sixers guard was turning heads early on and looked like a serious Rookie of the Year candidate, averaging 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists across his first 23 games. He even won Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in November. But everything came to a halt when he tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee. Just like that, his promising first year was over. For the Sixers, that injury was just one piece of a nightmare season. Joel Embiid missed time, Paul George dealt with nagging injuries and Tyrese Maxey couldn’t carry the whole thing on his own. Philly ended the year with just 24 wins and didn’t even sniff the playoffs. Yet, through all that, McCain had shown real flashes. He played with confidence, poise and a scoring feel that looked way more polished than expected from a rookie. That’s what makes his upcoming return so intriguing. He’s reportedly progressing well in rehab, taking his time but eyeing a full comeback for
