CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers returned to work on Monday following a road win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. They are looking to build on their 10-3 record.
The Sixers welcomed Kelly Oubre Jr. back to the practice floor for the first time since the veteran was struck by a vehicle on Nov. 11. He suffered a rib fracture as well as injuries to his hip and right leg.
“That was his first day back on court,” said coach Nick Nurse. “Simon (Rice) has told me that today and tomorrow are pretty critical in the evaluation. I think getting him moving was the first step. Getting him into some contact and things is the next step and then, I think, after tomorrow, we’ll have a little bit better read of the timeline.”
Oubre wasn’t doing anything live on Monday, but he did cardio work and did some light shooting.
The Sixers have yet to give an update on a timeline for Oubre’s return to the floor. His return on Monday is reason for optimism, but Nurse and the Sixers haven’t thought about any of that yet.
“I haven’t really zeroed in on thinking about the timeline, to be honest with you,” Nurse admitted. “I knew it was gonna be a little bit before we knew, but I think he’s moving pretty good today and I think that’s the first positive sign so we hope the sooner the better. That’s for sure.”
Nick Nurse on Kelly Oubre Jr. being back at practice today #Sixers pic.twitter.com/ViwkhFPb8e
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) November 20, 2023
Oubre being back on the floor is a big step in the right direction. However, this is just one step. Nurse laid out a bit of a plan to get him going again for Philadelphia.
“I think getting him into some action where there’s some contact,” he explained. “I think they’ll go some type of drill work where there’s some live against maybe development coaches, things like that will be the very next step and then we just gotta progress it to live scrimmaging before he gets back out on the court.”
The Sixers have been a tight-knit group to begin the season under Nurse. Oubre has received support from teammates and that was the case on Monday as they welcomed him back.
“Just his energy, obviously,” said Patrick Beverley. “Obviously, you miss his play, but just his swag, his energy, just good to see his face. Just good to know he’s cool. We’re supporting him through it all, so it’s just good to have him back out here.”
As long as Oubre is progressing, the Sixers will be there to support him through it all.
“It was good to see him in good spirits and everything and get to see him getting up and down,” Robert Covington added. “He said his recovery has been going well. He feels pretty good. So it’s just a matter of we’re just waiting.”
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