The Philadelphia 76ers are entering yet another season with a rotation in flux due to injuries and general uncertainty over fit. There's optimism over what the team could accomplish when healthy, but moving pieces that have received limited opportunities to develop chemistry remain in place.
Amidst a sea of uncertainty, one player has quietly made themselves essential to team success despite the polarizing reputation they carry: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre, 29, is a player whom 10 fans and analysts might describe in 10 entirely different ways. He's a slashing wing who insists on shooting a high volume of threes despite his low efficiency from beyond the arc, as well as the proverbial tunnel-visioned scorer who is unlikely to pass out of his drives.
Oubre is also one of the more efficient inside-the-arc scorers on the 76ers' roster, however, as well as a vastly improved defender—at least in one regard.
This past season, Oubre shot 29.3 percent on 4.0 three-point field goal attempts per game and dished out just 1.8 assists despite averaging 50.9 touches. He also increased his two-point field goal percentage by 3.8 percent, became more decisive on the ball, and was impressively active in an off-ball defensive role.
For whatever flaws Oubre may have, he's found a way to contribute value to the 76ers that they may otherwise struggle to generate in 2025-26.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has proven too valuable for 76ers to write off
Oubre deserves credit for how much more decisive he's become when the ball has been sent his way. He averaged just 1.85 dribbles per touch in 2024-25 and 2.65 seconds on the ball per touch, neither of which support a ball-dominant reputation.
Oubre also averaged 0.297 points per touch, which ranked No. 1 amongst Philadelphia's players who received at least 20.0 minutes per game in 2024-25.
While still not perfected, Oubre is in the midst of carving out a role in which the ball comes his way and he makes a quick decision that leads to a scoring opportunity. Even the remaining issues Oubre needs to resolve are being addressed, with a key example being that he attempted 1.5 fewer three-point field goals per 36 minutes in 2024-25 than he did in 2023-24.
Oubre's growth and quick transition from touch to decision could prove invaluable to a team that has three All-Stars who will command a large number of touches when healthy, as well as a pending free agent with something to prove in Quentin Grimes.
On the other end of the floor, Oubre has become one of the more active defenders in the NBA. He ranked No. 2 in the Association in deflections per game during the 2024-25 season and averaged a career-best 1.5 steals per game.
Oubre even pulled down 6.1 rebounds per game, his highest mark since 2019-20, and a career-best 1.6 offensive boards per contest.
Oubre must improve his defensive consistency when he's not going for the ball, and needs to continue down the path of improving his shot selection. The progress he's made is undeniable, however, and his ability to plug any hole the 76ers have could prove significant with a healthier roster.
Oubre has his share of critics, but he's proven over the past year that he's willing to do what it takes to help the 76ers win. That type of mentality can't be overlooked.