Nick Nurse Supports Kelly Oubre Jr. Amidst Alleged Hit-and-Run Accident Controversy

Toronto Raptors head coach, Nick Nurse, has voiced his belief that Kelly Oubre Jr., a forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, was indeed a victim of an alleged hit-and-run accident at a Center City intersection.

However, contrary to Nurse’s stance, surveillance footage recovered from the scene shows no evidence of a crash occurring at the location where Oubre claimed he was hit on Saturday night.

In an interview, Nurse stated, “I don’t have any reason to doubt him. I trust his account of the incident.”

» READ MORE: Surveillance video does not show hit-and-run against Sixers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. in Center City, police say

According to the incident report released by the police on Saturday, the alleged car accident occurred around 7:20 p.m. near the intersection of 15th and Spruce Streets. Oubre, identified as a 27-year-old pedestrian, was walking westbound on Spruce when a silver vehicle, traveling at high speed in the same direction, attempted to make a southbound turn onto Hicks Street. The vehicle reportedly struck Oubre in the upper chest area with its driver’s-side mirror.

After receiving initial medical treatment at the scene, Oubre was then transported to Thomas Jefferson University, where he underwent further care for a broken rib and injuries to his hip and leg. Sgt. Eric Gripp, a spokesman for the Philadelphia Police Department, informed The Inquirer that the department “currently lacks any video or photographic evidence depicting the collision.”

Gripp further clarified that the police have not made any accusations against Oubre and confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing.

When asked if he would be concerned if law enforcement authorities were to dispute Oubre’s account in the future, Nurse responded, “Yes, that would be concerning if we reach that point. But for now, I stand by Kelly’s version of events. I do not have any additional information or conversations to comment on at the moment. My focus is on the upcoming game. If new evidence or any other developments arise, we will address them accordingly.”

Nurse continued to express his unwavering support for Oubre, dismissing any suggestion that the player may have fabricated the accident to conceal a potential violation of his contract.

“I don’t believe it’s fair to accuse him of fabricating a story,” Nurse asserted. “I simply don’t. Kelly is a valuable member of our team, and we stand firmly behind him. So do I.”