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Golden State Warriors may be forced to shut Kelly Oubre Jr. down

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on April 09, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on April 09, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are on the verge of a spot in the play-in tournament, but the talent on their roster may take a major hit if Kelly Oubre Jr. can’t battle through a wrist injury that’s sidelined him several games in the last few weeks.

Oubre Jr. returned for five games, thriving on the second unit. However, Oubre Jr.’s wrist soreness is appearing to be far more concerning than first thought, and while it won’t be debilitating, it would be brutal for the Dubs to lose such a critical piece.

The Golden State Warriors may be forced to shut down upcoming free-agent guard Kelly Oubre Jr. for the remainder of the season.

The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania was the first to report that Oubre Jr. has a torn ligament in his wrist and also a fracture on his palm. While the extent of those injuries isn’t known, it does appear he was able to play through them for a few games.

Now, whether he can continue to do that is up in the air, and it wouldn’t be shocking to hear that Oubre Jr. isn’t going to be returning. It’s sad, but considering how the adjusted schedule has impacted the league in regards to injury, it isn’t the most shocking.

Most teams have had big-name players going down, and the Warriors, with James Wiseman already being ruled out for the season, are no strangers to losing key pieces. However, Oubre Jr. being sidelined would be brutal as he was just starting to find his rhythm again.

Oubre Jr. missed five games and then returned for five games, averaging 17 points per game in 29 minutes per game. He’s now missed the past two and could realistically be done with Golden State as he’s going to be a high-profile free agent this coming offseason.

While he could still return, the injuries sound serious enough that playing through them could impact his future. If that’s what the physicians think as well, Oubre Jr., and the Warriors chances in the playoffs, may be over.

Oubre Jr. doesn’t make or break the team like losing Stephen Curry or Draymond Green would, but his energy was unmatched. They needed him on the court as he was also the team’s third-best scoring option.

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At full strength, the Warriors are barely a true title contender, but without Wiseman and Oubre Jr., their already-low chances get depleted even further.

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