In what could be wrapped up as a successful season for the Washington Wizards, second-year forward Kelly Oubre had a rollercoaster campaign. Now, according to Candace Buckner of The Washington Post, Oubre received platelet-rich plasma injections in his right knee and will be sidelined for a few weeks to kick off his offseason before an ever important third year as a professional:
Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. received platelet-rich plasma injections in his right knee Friday in Los Angeles, according to several people close to the situation.
Oubre, a second-year player who played through pain during the Wizards’ playoff run, is not expected to undergo further injections and will sit out the next few weeks to rest his knee. Although Oubre could resume basketball activities later this month but will not play with the Wizards’ Summer League team in July.
As stated, the knee had been nagging Oubre throughout the Wizards playoff run, something that could’ve affected his play. Though he didn’t miss a single game to injury this past season, you have to hope that this knee procedure isn’t a sign for things to come in Oubre’s promising career.
From the first day the 21-year-old set foot in the NBA, Oubre has shown flashes of all the requisite traits necessary to be a star in this league. Though he got consistent playing time for most of the season as the backup 3 to free agent to be Otto Porter, his minutes got sporadic during the most crucial part of the season.
Ever since he served a one-game suspension for decking Celtics big man Kelly Olynyk in the Conference Semifinals, head coach Scott Brooks decided to use him sparsely, including appearing in only 6 seconds of action in their Game 7 loss.
Point guard and captain John Wall knows the game-changing ability Oubre can bring to the table with his defense and elite athleticism, citing his lack of playing time as a reason they were bounced in the playoffs.
With Porter potentially walking out the door this summer, Oubre could be in line for a substantially larger role next season and should be at full health by the start of the campaign.
