Passion, grit, and the ability to positively affect a game -- these are three non-negotiables to the Philadelphia 76ers faithful. Even when the chips are down and the shots aren't falling, Sixers players must find another way to affect the game. Kelly Oubre Jr. has stepped up in exactly the way Philadelphia needs to battle a talented Boston Celtics roster in the playoffs. His efforts so far should make it easy for Daryl Morey to prioritize re-signing the versatile forward to a new contract.
After a tough 108-100 Game 3 defeat to the Celtics, the 76ers find themselves 2-1 down in the series. Lady Luck has already ensured that Philadelphia will face an uphill battle throughout the postseason, as its franchise cornerstone, Joel Embiid, has yet to return to action despite now featuring on the injury list as doubtful.
It is still all to play for in the postseason, but the 76ers cannot afford to spurn home-court advantage in Game 4. While Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe have drawn attention as the keys to a surprise Sixers victory, an overlooked contributor has been every bit as crucial with his relentless play. Daryl Morey cannot afford to let him walk when his deal expires this offseason.
Kelly Oubre Jr. deserves to remain a Sixer
Kelly Oubre Jr. has become something of a scapegoat at times during his stint in Philadelphia. His inconsistency throughout the 76ers' torrid 2024-25 season made it easy for fans to criticise his performance levels, and rightly so in some cases. Even so, Oubre Jr. would not hide when the Sixers needed him most, consistently showing up for his teammates and giving relentless effort every time he took the floor.
His determined mentality has paid dividends for the Philadelphia 76ers this campaign, and he has rewarded their continued faith with much-improved performances. Throughout the regular season, Kelly averaged 14.1 points, five rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting a career-high 36% from deep.
Turning up when the pressure is low means nothing for a franchise like the 76ers, who have ambitions to reach the Eastern Conference Finals -- at the very least. This roster needs players who will thrive in the postseason, while allowing Maxey and Edgecombe to remain the team's prominent offensive voices. The 30-year-old has played this role to great effect.
Over his three postseason appearances so far, Oubre Jr. has averaged 13 points and six rebounds per game. His most impressive performance came in the 76ers' Game 3 defeat. He recorded 17 points, six rebounds, and two stocks, while shooting 50% from the floor. What the numbers cannot show is his persistent efforts to make Boston's lives a living hell when they had the ball in their hands.
When Joel Embiid returns to action and while Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe continue their ascent to stardom, the Philadelphia 76ers will need players of this quality on the roster. It is not easy to acquire weapons that can make a difference on both sides of the ball from a less prominent role. Kelly Oubre Jr. deserves a new contract in the City of Brotherly Love. Daryl Morey cannot afford to mess this one up.
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