The Philadelphia 76ers continue to be haunted by an injury curse that devastated their previous underwhelming campaign. Now, Kelly Oubre Jr. is the next player to fall victim to the voodoo, suffering a LCL injury to his left knee. After polishing up his three-point shooting in the offseason, the versatile forward has become a vital piece of Philadelphia's rotation. The franchise needs to find itself another three-and-D player before its season swiftly unfolds.
Oubre Jr. has significantly improved his ability to drain three-point attempts when the Sixers' newest superstar, Tyrese Maxey, drives into the paint and kicks the ball out to him. The 29-year-old is sinking 16.8 points per game, while averaging 34.3% from deep.
In addition, the former Charlotte Hornets wing has exhibited traits of an impressive perimeter defender -- an area that the 76ers have been lacking in for several years. Oubre may have only racked up 1.1 steals per game this season, yet his never-ending hustle and pursuit of his opponents provide his team with defensive stability.
With a return date yet to be confirmed, general manager Daryl Morey may have to get creative in the trade market.
Philadelphia must sure up its defense
Even if the Philly fan base was not the biggest admirers of Kelly Oubre Jr. in the offseason, he has certainly enhanced his reputation during the opening period of the 2025-26 campaign. Offensively, the 76ers have been one of the most enthralling teams in the entire NBA, which has required Oubre to take a backseat and only get involved when needed -- something he has done to perfection.
Of course, such brilliance on the offensive end of the court did come with its defensive issues to start the campaign. Nevertheless, after conceding 120+ points six times in its opening nine fixtures, Philadelphia has shown a sense of resilience on that end of the floor.
Morey's main issue is that every franchise in the league is seeking to uncover the next best perimeter defender. To make matters worse, the 76ers have few assets that could tempt rival teams into parting ways with their star players, even if they have woefully commenced the year.
Everybody and their grandmother would be enamoured if they could acquire the services of the Indiana Pacers' brilliant forward, Pascal Siakam -- who is averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals, despite Indiana holding a 1-13 record so far this year.
Even if the franchise were looking to shed his salary, Paul George would be the only likely candidate to head in the other direction, which would make little sense given the 35-year-old still has three years left of his four-year, $212 million contract. Would a team that already has its franchise star in Tyrese Haliburton out for the season gain anything from taking a veteran forward who has his own fitness issues? The answer is glaringly obvious.
As it stands, the Philadelphia 76ers may have few tangible options in this trade market to bolster the team's defense after the disappointing injury to Kelly Oubre Jr. However, with George returning to action in the Sixers' recent 108-110 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers, fans will be hoping that he will be more than capable of filling that void.