Relative of Duke basketball sent to the hospital following terrifying preseason fall

Duke basketball rookie Jared McCain faced a frightening moment during the Philadelphia 76ers’ preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets. In the fourth quarter, McCain, a first-round draft pick, fell hard to the ground while trying to grab an offensive rebound after losing his balance when the ball was poked away. The sound of his fall echoed through the arena, and the referees quickly stopped the game as McCain remained on the floor in pain.

Nick Nurse says Jared McCain is on his way to the hospital after a hard fall in the 4th quarter of the Sixers' preseason game on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/ed45nVPIMz

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 17, 2024

McCain was eventually helped off the court by the 76ers’ training staff, and head coach Nick Nurse later confirmed that the rookie had been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Nurse noted that McCain appeared to have trouble breathing and speculated that he may have had the wind knocked out of him.

McCain had contributed nine points, seven rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes before the fall. While there was no official update on his injury at the time, it seemed like he might have hit the back of his head during the fall. The 76ers had yet to provide further information on his condition as of Thursday morning.

Philadelphia wraps up its preseason on October 18 against the Orlando Magic before starting the regular season on October 23 against the Milwaukee Bucks.