Sixers hope rookie Jared McCain has speedy recovery from meniscus tear: ‘We’re all behind him’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 76ers feel for Jared McCain.

They know how much hard work the guard put in to prepare for the season. They have seen firsthand how McCain blossomed into a key rotation player and NBA rookie of the year front-runner. And they saw that taken away when McCain suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee.

“You hate it for him,” Caleb Martin said. “He’s playing at such a high level, man. He’s such a great kid, and brings such good energy, and you know that does really hurt. Everybody feels for him and really, really hates that for him. It just [stinks].”

McCain reported left knee soreness Friday after a 121-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers. An MRI on Saturday revealed the meniscus tear. The injury will require surgery, and the guard is out indefinitely.

The Sixers (7-16) will miss the 16th overall pick in June’s draft for more than his positive energy and great personality.

McCain is averaging 15.3 points while making 2.2 three-pointers per game and shooting 38.2% from deep. The 20-year-old joined NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson as the only Sixers rookies to average at least 15 points and two made three-pointers.

He was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October and November. And McCain has been the Sixers’ lone consistent bright spot in what has been a disappointing season.

“I think it’s definitely going to be hard,” Guerschon Yabusele said of replacing McCain’s spark. “I think Jared is one of a kind, a kid with a lot of energy, no fear, being able to bring so many good things for us on offense. I think it’s going to be hard.

“But still we have a lot of guys here, even the guys from the G League that are coming to practice with us. They’re ready. Everybody is going to be ready to have this chance.”

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Martin said McCain displayed a positive attitude after receiving the news. “But we’re all behind him,” Martin said.

The Sixers are also confident that McCain is going to contribute in a lot of ways for them.

“Even off the court,” Martin said. “Not even on the court. I hope he gets back as fast as possible.”

In addition to McCain being sidelined, Martin will miss his second consecutive game Monday with right shoulder impingement. As a result, there’s a chance that Eric Gordon could receive some minutes against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center.

But what about moving forward? Could McCain’s injury bring Gordon back into the rotation for an extended time?

“I think the first step is if somebody is out of the rotation, what are they doing to try to get themselves back in, right?” coach Nick Nurse said. “Eric has come in here [on Saturday] and had a great workout. He’s trying to get himself back in there. He’s trying to stay ready and be ready to go.”

The Sixers gave Gordon some rotation reps Sunday at practice. Nurse said he had a good few days.

“Those are positive signs,” he said. “I would say he’s probably one of the candidates to come in there and fill that position.”

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Gordon is averaging career lows of 4.8 points and 16.5 minutes in 16 appearances with one start. He’s also shooting career lows of 32.5% from the field and 23.8% on three-pointers.

Gordon hasn’t played since failing to score on 0-for-4 shooting in 9 minutes, 49 seconds against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 30.