Well that stinks: Kelly Oubre will not play for the Phoenix Suns at Disney

Kelly Oubre Jr. will not play for the Phoenix Suns when the NBA resumes the regular season at Disney World.

It wouldn’t be a return to NBA basketball without a player from the Phoenix Suns unexpectantly unable to play.

After all the good news Shams tweeted out on Tuesday, he punched Suns fans in the gut Wednesday afternoon when he broke the news that Kelly Oubre Jr., the bouncing ball of energy for the Valley Boyz, will not play when the team resumes the regular season for at least eight more games.

Oubre is recovering from a meniscus tear, but all the signs were pointing toward his return to the court. Suns owner, Robert Sarver, even said he expected him to play just barely a week ago.

I have to wonder if Sarver’s comment was intended as, “From the information I am receiving, he will be healthy enough to play,” or if it was more of a message to Kelly saying, “I’m your boss and I expect you to play.”

Either way, it’s not a great look for Sarver, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt that his soundbite was probably just wishful thinking.

Tsunami Papi finishes his season with career-highs in points (18.6 per game), rebounds (6.4 per game), and 3-point shooting (35.2 percent). He also added more than a handful of posterizing dunks for good measure.

Not a bad season for a player who gave the franchise a team-friendly, two-year deal to keep him. Next season will be a contract year for Oubre, so expect those numbers to continue to climb.

Despite not playing, Oubre will still travel with the team to Disney where he will no doubt take advantage of the on-site manicurists, pedicurists. and barbers. I also expect his on-the-bench mask drip to be a different level, and just thinking about this makes me want to buy an overpriced Dope Soul facemask immediately.

As much as I would have loved to have seen Oubre suit up for the Suns and give them a puncher’s chance to make the playoffs, the overly-rational side of my brain tells me this is probably the smart decision. There is no risk exposing himself to further injury so soon after surgery that could put him out for an extended period of time.

Continue to rehab, Papi, and get well soon. Next season is just a few short months away.