Kelly Oubre Jr. Nears Return as 76ers Look to Bolster Shorthanded Rotation
The Philadelphia 76ers have been walking a tightrope early this season, juggling a promising start with the all-too-familiar challenge of injuries. And while the team has managed to stay afloat, the absences are starting to test the limits of their depth. One name that’s been noticeably missing from the lineup: Kelly Oubre Jr.
But there’s good news on that front. Oubre, who hasn’t seen the floor since mid-November, is finally trending in the right direction. Head coach Nick Nurse gave a promising update ahead of the Sixers’ matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, saying that Oubre is back on the court and participating in what he called a “real session” - the kind that signals a player is nearing game shape.
“I think this is his first, like, real one,” Nurse said. “They’re putting him through what you would consider a hard-working individual session today. So that’s a good sign.”
It’s more than just a good sign - it’s a potential turning point for a Sixers squad that’s been leaning heavily on its remaining rotation players. With Trendon Watford already out and Paul George being load-managed, getting Oubre back could offer a much-needed jolt, both in terms of depth and versatility.
Before going down, Oubre was quietly putting together one of his most efficient stretches in a Sixers uniform. He’s averaging 16.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while also contributing on the defensive end with nearly two combined steals and blocks per night.
And perhaps most encouragingly, he’s shooting nearly 35% from beyond the arc - a noticeable jump from the 29.3% clip he posted last season. That kind of shooting efficiency, paired with his slashing ability and defensive activity, makes him a valuable two-way piece in a lineup that needs exactly that.
Oubre’s role had grown significantly before the injury, even flirting with starter-level minutes. But once he’s back, there’s a strong chance the coaching staff will ease him in - likely bringing him off the bench, where he can inject energy without being overextended. That might mean a slight dip in counting stats, but it could be the best way to keep him healthy and maximize his impact over the long haul.
The Sixers are entering a critical stretch of the season. As the calendar year winds down and the midway point approaches, momentum becomes more than a buzzword - it becomes a necessity. Having Oubre back in the mix, even in a limited capacity, could be a difference-maker as Philadelphia looks to solidify its spot near the top of the Eastern Conference.
Bottom line: the Sixers don’t just need bodies - they need productive, reliable ones. If Oubre can pick up where he left off, he could be exactly the spark this team needs heading into the heart of the season.