The 76ers are standing by Kelly Oubre Jr. despite police saying they’ve yet to seek out video evidence of an alleged hit-and-run that left the Philadelphia star injured.
On Saturday night, Oubre suffered a broken rib and sustained bruises after he allegedly was struck by a vehicle near his Center City home while crossing the road as a pedestrian.
After the alleged incident, authorities told ABC 6 in Philadelphia that a silver automotive was seen fleeing the scene.
On Wednesday, Philly police officer Miguel Torres told the Associated Press in an email that thus far “No video has been recovered,” in regard to the alleged incident.
And, based on the Philadelphia Inquirer, Sgt. Eric Gripp said that while there has not been any evidence found of a hit-and-run on Saturday night, he is just not accusing Oubre of constructing up a lie.
In the midst of all this, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said he has his player’s back.
“I don’t think it’s very reasonable to him to say that he made up some story,” Nurse said before the 76ers’ 117-107 loss to the Celtics, based on The AP. “I just don’t. I’m going to consider him at his word. He’s considered one of our players and we’re going to face behind him. And so am I. … I don’t have any reason to not consider him.”
Oubre’s timetable for a return likely will probably be in weeks, not months.
“There’s a sensible expectation that he could possibly be back in two-plus weeks,” Adrian Wojnorowski said on ESPN later within the day. “Perhaps the tip of November, starting of December.”
Though no video of the incident has been found, TMZ obtained footage of Oubre returning home after the alleged hit-and-run with a bicycle in his hands and telling his wife, Shylynn, that he was hit by a automotive.
After that, based on the outlet, Oubre was then transported to a Philadelphia hospital by ambulance.
In line with the AP, Oubre has begun “light physical activity, ” which has included using an exercise bike, with the hope of returning in “the approaching weeks.”
Oubre is a recent member of the team and the town of Philadelphia area after joining the team this offseason on a one-year, $2.9 million contract.
After recording a career-high 20.3 points per game with the Hornets last 12 months, Oubre was averaging 16.3 points and 5.1 rebounds over his first eight games with the Sixers.