The name Kelly Oubre Jr. usually flies past the radar at times. While he’s usually never under the spotlight, the stealthy forward has always been an impactful player. He’s best known for his work on defense and his outside shooting that came into light during his time with the Phoenix Suns. But whichever team he has been on since then, he’s always given his best on the court to help the team achieve great results.
Over the last couple of years, the forward has dealt with a couple of unexpected injuries. Perhaps his most serious injury was when he tore his meniscus during his last season with the Suns. But it never threw him off course and he went on to average a career-high 20.2 points per game three years later. He dealt with multiple minor setbacks since 2020 but his recent off-court accident in Philadelphia was scary.
Kelly Oubre Jr. hasn’t sustained any major injuries
During the 2023 off-season, Kelly Oubre Jr. signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. After a brutal off-season, signing Oubre was expected to lift some weight off their shoulders while dealing with the James Harden situation. Oubre signed a one-year $2.89 million deal. So far he has played 8 games with the team averaging 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.
Sources: 76ers G/F Kelly Oubre Jr. sustained broken ribs and an assortment of bruises and cuts to his body after being struck by a car in Philadelphia on Saturday night. Oubre fortunately avoided more serious injuries, but will now miss significant time.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2023
The 27-year-old had been having a great year until tragedy struck his life away from the court. While he was taking a walk in Center City, Philadelphia when a car struck him. Shams Charania recently updated Sixers fans stating that Kelly suffers from broken ribs, and an assortment of bruises and cuts all over his body. The accident is currently being investigated and Oubre’s situation remains stable at the moment. He hasn’t sustained major injury but will miss out on significant time.
How has Kelly Oubre Jr. impacted the Sixers?
Kelly Oubre Jr. has impacted the Sixers in several ways. Firstly, the team is doing exceptionally well, which fans and experts weren’t expecting to happen without Harden. Tyrese Maxey has stepped up as Harden’s official replacement on the roster and Joel Embiid’s backup. Maxey has averaged 25.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, which are far better numbers than that Harden averaged.
However, Kelly has emerged as a backup to the Sixers’ main duo. In addition to 16.2 points per game, Oubre also shoots 50% from the field, 37.8% from deep, and 78.6% from the line. This is currently the best shooting season of his entire eight-year career as well. He has played five games as a starter but has impacted the team even from the bench. The Sixers are currently No.1 in the Eastern Conference.