Kelly Oubre Jr.: 76ers Guard Suffers Injuries Following Hit-and-Run
76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. was hospitalized following a hit-and-run incident in Center City, Philadelphia, on Saturday night. Fortunately, he has been released from the hospital. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. is facing a setback in what had been a promising season, as he suffered a fractured rib in a hit-and-run incident on Saturday night, according to USA Today.

According to the incident report from the Philadelphia Police Department, the 27-year-old athlete was struck by a silver vehicle traveling at a high speed in the Center City area.

The vehicle fled the scene, leaving Oubre with injuries to his upper chest, hip, and right leg.

Emergency responders from the Philadelphia Fire Department swiftly attended to the incident, transporting Oubre to Jefferson Hospital in stable condition.

The local police are actively investigating the incident, aiming to identify the silver vehicle and its driver.

Kelly Oubre Jr. Hit-and-Run Incident

The Sixers organization released a statement clarifying that Oubre was walking near his downtown Philadelphia residence when the hit-and-run occurred at around 7 PM.

The impact took place at Broad and Locust streets in Center City, leading to Oubre's hospitalization.

The team announced that while he will miss a significant portion of game time, the injury is not expected to sideline him for the entire season, per ESPN.

Oubre is set to collaborate closely with the 76ers' medical staff for treatment, although specific details about the nature and extent of his injuries were not disclosed.

Notably, team representatives, including 76ers president Daryl Morey, were present at the hospital with Oubre, underscoring the seriousness with which the organization is treating the incident.

The hit-and-run incident interrupted what had been a stellar start to Kelly Oubre Jr.'s ninth NBA season. The talented guard was averaging 16.3 points per game and shooting at an impressive 50%.

Kelly Oubre Jr.'s Career

The timing of Oubre's injury poses a challenge for the 76ers, who have recently undergone changes in their roster with the trade of James Harden to the LA Clippers.

The team is now likely to lean on the forwards acquired in that deal, including Nicolas Batum and Robert Covington, CBS Sports noted.

The absence of Oubre, who has been a significant contributor to the team's success, may impact their performance, especially as they strive to maintain their leading position in the Eastern Conference with a 7-1 record.

Oubre's impact on the court has been evident, with the team scoring nearly seven more points per 100 possessions when he is playing compared to when he is on the bench.

Finding a suitable replacement for his dynamic playing style will undoubtedly be a challenge for head coach Nick Nurse.

As the 76ers navigate through this unexpected turn of events, the NBA community and fans are anxiously awaiting updates on Oubre's recovery timeline.

Meanwhile, messages of support have poured in from across the league, including Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford, who expressed relief that Oubre is okay and emphasized his significant contributions to the sport, PEOPLE reports.

Kelly Oubre Jr. began his NBA career in 2015 when he was selected as the 15th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, according to ABC 7.

He was promptly traded to the Washington Wizards, marking the start of a career that has seen him play for the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors before signing a one-year deal with the 76ers in September.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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