Kelly Oubre Jr. never really found his footing in Washington, struggling to figure out how to consistently thrive in a role where he was third or fourth on the totem pole behind John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter Jr.
Since arriving in Phoenix earlier this season in a trade, Oubre has found that comfort level in an expanded role to the tune of averaging 16.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in 40 games with the Suns, both of which would be career highs. However, the soon-to-be restricted free agent missed their most recent game against Chicago with a thumb injury, which will apparently cost him the rest of the season.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Oubre will have minor surgery on his thumb that will keep him out for just over a month, but gives him plenty of opportunity to get healthy by this summer.
Phoenix F Kelly Oubre, Jr., will undergo minor procedure on his left thumb and miss rest of season, sources tell ESPN. Oubre's recovery will be 4-to-6 weeks. He heads into restricted free agency on best stretch of career: 20 PPG, 5.7 RPG since becoming starter post-All-Star break
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 21, 2019
Oubre will be an interesting player on the restricted free agent market, and given his success there one would expect Phoenix to try and keep him. It also explains, partially, why they made the decision to sign Jimmer Fredette for the remainder of the season, with a team option for next year as well to fill the gap left by Oubre’s absence.
