The Philadelphia 76ers entered the season having two pressing concerns — shooting from beyond the arc and competent perimeter defense. Those two areas have become emblematic of what the NBA has become since the previous decade, yet the team continued to have a dearth of production in those key departments.
That made it all the more puzzling that the front office did not actively seek relief on those fronts this summer. Instead, the 76ers still decided to parade the likes of Kelly Oubre Jr., a veteran forward known for being a one-dimensional piece amidst the razzle-dazzle throughout his career.
Many (us included) did not like it when Nick Nurse and his coaching staff allowed Oubre to reprise his high-minutes role from the last couple of seasons, but in reality, the veteran has given stable production on both offense and defense so far this season, and for that, he should definitely get some credit.
Being on an expiring deal, Oubre will likely remain a popular trade candidate for the 76ers before the deadline, but if he keeps this up, the team will have no choice but to keep sticking with him. He has become that serviceable on both ends to start the campaign.
The 76ers are getting some unexpected two-way stability from Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre was enigma because it never seemed like his offensive and defensive acuity occurred at the same time. Last season, he showcased his tremendous growth as a stopper, yet his offense suffered. He was one of the worst three-point shooters in the league, and his tunnel vision when operating as a rim-runner did not help his two-way case.
But through three games, the 11-year forward seems to have quickly found his groove. He has averaged 18 points and five assists so far, shooting 56.3 percent from the field while also draining 40 percent of his attempts from rainbow country.
Defensively, he has more than held his own. The 76ers have an utter dearth of size at forward with both Paul George and Trendon Watford currently out with their respective injuries, yet Oubre has done everything he can to help the team match up against bigger and more physically imposing opponents.
Hopefully, Kelly Oubre Jr. can keep this kind of production up. The numbers do not have to stay the same, but if he can maintain this kind of stability on both ends, he might just end up being one of the most important players on the 76ers roster.