Kelly Oubre Jr. talks injury, coming off the bench vs. starting for Sixers
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers welcomed Kelly Oubre Jr. back to the lineup on Dec. 6 when they took on the Washington Wizards on the road. The veteran out of Kansas provided 12 points with 10 coming in the fourth in the win.
He made his home return on Friday in a win over the Atlanta Hawks and he contributed 11 points off the bench. He is continuing to get his legs underneath him and take steps forward on both ends of the floor. He still needs to find his rhythm on offense, but he took steps forward again.
“My defense felt a lot better,” Oubre Jr. said after the win. “I was able to catch up to the speed early and impact the game on that end. I was really happy with that. It was a slow start, but in the fourth quarter it picked up, and we were able to get some stops and go on that 15-0 run at the end to win the game and that’s what it is all about. Offensively, I’m still finding my rhythm, my pace, but I can hoop, so we’ll find it. I’m confident in that.”
When considering the injury he sustained was a rib fracture, it makes sense to wonder if anything is bothering him when he goes to the basket or if he feels any pain trying to shuffle on the defensive end.
“Whenever they stiff-arm, or have this going, anything like that, I feel it,” he revealed. “I’m blessed to be healthy, so it doesn’t affect me at all.”
In terms of his role with the Sixers, Oubre Jr. is looking to remain fluid. He was starting at the beginning of the season, but he has come off the bench since his return to the lineup. Coach Nick Nurse has said that he is still figuring things out with the rotation and the starting lineup and Oubre Jr. is ready for whatever is thrown his way.
“I try to be water,” he finished. “I’m 27, turning 28 tomorrow (Saturday), man. I have a lot in my tank though. I really want to hoop. I really want to help this team do well. I want to be up there with the guys and compete. Coach is a genius though. He knows how to coach the game. He knows how to put people in the right places, so I trust him, and I just want to win. I’m here to win.”
