The Philadelphia 76ers are still alive after shocking the Celtics on the road in Game 5, but there are a lot of reasons for the front office to start mulling over their to-do list in the coming summer. This offseason stands to be a critical one yet again, especially with most of their players possibly hitting the open market and causing a potentially drastic roster turnover.
One free agent that will force the 76ers into a tough choice is Kelly Oubre Jr. However, it was not too long ago when the consensus was that he is someone whom the team cannot afford to lose in free agency. But with his recent performances in the playoffs, it might be high time for Philly's brain trust to start second guessing that position –– that is, if they haven't already.
Make no mistake –– Oubre is a vital part of this 76ers team. While he can be quite erratic given his temperamental play style, he is exactly the kind of player which a star-laden team like Philadelphia needs to balance out the roster. Unfortunately, his weaknesses tend to get exposed more intensely when the lights are bright, which should factor into how the front office intends to attack his free agency.
The 76ers should think twice before re-signing Kelly Oubre in free agency
After shooting a career-high 36 percent from beyond the three-point line during the regular season, Oubre crashed down to earth in the playoffs. Through five games in their first-round series against Boston, the veteran has canned just three of his 19 attempts from rainbow country, logging a ghastly 15.8 percent conversion rate. That simply won't cut it given is heavy minutes.
Despite his struggles from the three-point line, the 76ers clearly like his defensive activity and status as an X-factor on the offensive end. However, Oubre could very well end up being an expensive get in the open market, and as such, the team could be better off scouting the market for less costly alternatives who can give a ore stable presence out in the perimeter.
While a discount is now unlikely –– and unfair –– after gifting the 76ers with a couple of those in the last three years, the front office should not just yield to any pay raise. The moment his price tag balloons, there should be an attendant waning interest from the franchise to stick with him, especially if they can zoom in on a younger option instead.
For now, Kelly Oubre remains a pivotal piece for the 76ers. However, ideal partnerships tend to get tested in the playoffs, and so far, he has not yet breached the required muster to be a lasting piece on this team beyond this season.
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