76ers' Jared McCain Released from Hospital, Reportedly Avoided 'Serious Injury'
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain was discharged from the hospital on Thursday after suffering an apparent injury on a scary fall during Wednesday night's preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, there's "optimism" McCain "avoided a serious injury" after he experienced pulmonary contusions. He'll reportedly be reevaluated on Thursday for a concussion.
McCain had trouble breathing after the fall and possibly had the wind knocked out of him, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said.
"He's fine," Kelly Oubre Jr. told reporters. "It was very scary. He caught himself luckily. He didn't fall flat on his back. He's gonna feel it tomorrow. That's kinda what we were telling him. He's just gotta kinda take it easy and make sure he's 100 percent for opening night."
The Sixers have had a fascinating offseason, with much of the talk centered around the massive free-agency addition of Paul George, creating a talented big three of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers also added a number of solid complementary pieces, giving Embiid arguably the best shot at a title in his career.
The 20-year-old McCain, the team's No. 16 overall draft pick in this year's draft, has proven to be a positive addition to that roster over the summer and through training camp, impressing players and coaches alike.
"Probably our best player has been Jared McCain, which is pretty good," Embiid told reporters during training camp. "... He competes. He is tough, competes, (is) a shot-maker. He has been shooting the ball extremely well; great energy. He has a pretty good chance. I don't want to put expectations out there, and I got to see more, but so far, he has been good."
Whether McCain plays a major role this season remains to be seen. The Sixers have Maxey and George starting in the backcourt, while Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon will likely be the first two guards off the bench. Reggie Jackson may also see some run with the reserves.
