76ers starter expected to miss 'significant time' after being hit by vehicle
The Philadelphia 76ers will be without one of their early standouts for a "significant time," but it could have been much worse.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, 76ers forward Kelly Oubre suffered injuries after being struck by a motor vehicle while walking on Saturday.
Currently hospitalized in stable condition, Oubre's season isn't in jeopardy, but how long he'll be away from the hardwood is yet to be determined.
Oubre was walking near his home in Center City, Philadelphia at the time of the accident, and local authorities are investigating the incident, per Wojnarowski. The Sixers later confirmed the news, adding they'd release more information as it becomes available.
While it's low on the list of importance at this point, Oubre had seemingly found a home in Philly with the Sixers. Oubre was in the midst of arguably one of his best seasons before Saturday's accident.
In eight games for the 76ers, Oubre averaged 16.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals over 29 minutes. Furthermore, Oubre was shooting 50% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. Both would be career highs.
Oubre's play helped catapult him into the Sixers starting lineup early. After coming off the bench in the first three games of the season, Oubre got the starting nod in five straight contests, averaging 14.6 points, 5.8 steals and 1.0 steals, posting a 50% field goal percentage while shooting 42% from three.
The 28-year-old was the No. 15 pick in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft and has spent time with the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets. The nine-year vet signed a one-year, $2.8M contract to join the 76ers in free agency last offseason.
Philly is off to an Eastern Conference-best 7-1 start, but they'll have to go without a critical piece in Oubre for the time being.
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