Sixers exercise third-year option on Jared McCain, who was a full participant in practice on Thursday

The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that the organization has exercised the third-year contract option on Jared McCain for the 2026-27 NBA season. 

McCain was originally drafted by the Sixers with the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As we all know, he only appeared in 23 games his rookie season before hitting the injured list with a torn meniscus. 

Over those 23 games (eight starts), he averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 25.7 minutes while shooting 33.8% percent from three point range – good for fourth among rookies during the season. 

Sixers exercise third-year option on Jared McCain for the 2026-27 season.

https://t.co/uYvn3fXjDD pic.twitter.com/K8yQL1Ls9K

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 30, 2025

Jared McCain putting up jumpers after shootaround is a great sign for the Sixers

Earlier this week, Jared McCain was back on the floor getting shots up ahead of the Sixers game against the Orlando Magic. He has yet to appear on the floor this season, but all things considered, his time is coming.

Jared McCain work this morning after shootaround:

Jared McCain work this morning after shootaround. He’s continuing to progress in his recovery. #Sixers pic.twitter.com/YoNjTQuvpq

— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) October 27, 2025

Jared McCain, who’s been sidelined since preseason with a torn UCL in his right thumb, was a full participant in Sixers practice on Thursday. That’s a great sign for a Sixers team that’s already looked sharp out of the gate without him.

3 minutes of who Jared McCain is. pic.twitter.com/HtqODWYl1l

— Y so serious (@idontgetball) October 29, 2025

Once Jared McCain returns, he gives the Sixers another skilled ball-handler who can attack off the bounce, create for others, and knock down open threes. That kind of guard depth is exactly what Nick Nurse’s system thrives on.

The rotation decisions when everyone’s healthy are going to get interesting.

You’ve got Joel Embiid on a 20-minute restriction. Paul George still hasn’t suited up yet. Quentin Grimes is already coming off the bench and contributing. When McCain’s back, that’s another legit offensive weapon who can space the floor and keep the ball moving.

That’s a good problem to have.

This team is sneaky deep, versatile, and already 4-0 to start the season. Forget all the Sports Talk Radio noise about who the “leader” is or whether there’s “too many guards.” None of that matters. Winning basketball games does and through three games, that’s exactly what the Sixers are doing.

Back at it on Halloween night against the Boston Celtics in South Philadelphia.

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