The Philadelphia 76ers’ starting lineup experienced significant change since Kelly Oubre Jr. last played against the Detroit Pistons on November 14th. Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are the only starters from that game who have remained in the lineup since then, as Joel Embiid, Paul George and Dominick Barlow have largely occupied the remaining slots.
So, where does that leave Oubre?
The forward has missed Philadelphia’s last 15 games after suffering a left knee sprain versus Detroit 38 days ago. In his absence, George has begun to return to form while Barlow has provided the 76ers with everything they’ve needed at power forward. The team is yet to reveal Oubre’s return date, but when he does re-arrive, the 11-year veteran may be coming off the bench.
He started in all 12 of his appearances while George missed Philadelphia’s first 12 games, rehabbing from the left knee procedure that he underwent on July 14th. Oubre maximized the opportunity, averaging 16.8 points on a career-high 60.6% true-shooting and 5.1 rebounds. He provided high energy on both ends of the court along with cutting, aggressive drives, and feisty perimeter defense. Not to mention, Oubre is shooting 34.3% from three-point range on 5.6 attempts, the best marks of his three-year 76ers tenure.
Then, he sprained his left knee and others stepped up.
Ironically, George debuted in the first contest that Oubre missed and instantly improved Philadelphia’s defense. Before the nine-time all-star played, the 76ers ranked 19th in the NBA in defensive rating. Now, they hold the 11th-best mark, allowing 113.3 points per 100 possessions, with George’s versatility being a pivotal factor. The forward’s offense is coming along as well, eclipsing 20 points in three of his last five games, including a 35-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks on December 14th.
While Barlow may not post the same numbers as George, he has been crucial for the 76ers as well. Philadelphia ranks ninth league-wide in rebounds per game with 45.2, much in part to Barlow’s motor. The last time that it placed in the top 10 in rebounds was the 2020-21 season. He’s tallying 5.6 boards and 2.1 from the offensive glass, providing the 76ers with an interior presence they lacked. What’s more, he tied his career-high 21 points in their win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.
With George and Barlow catering to Philadelphia’s two major needs, Oubre’s talents would best be suited for the reserve unit. But, this is only a demotion in technicality – not reality.
The 30-year-old was arguably the most well-rounded version of himself before injury and he’ll positively impact the 76ers on both ends of the floor at his return. His energetic, score-first nature will give them a mental and physical boost coming off the bench, which could swing momentum in some instances. He’ll also join a second unit that will likely feature Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain if and when Philadelphia returns to full health. Between the guards’ ball-handling and floor-spacing, Oubre could freely score with or without the ball.
The 76ers hoisting such firepower off the bench will be crucial in an NBA postseason that demands depth and matchup versatility. Philadelphia must wait and see, however, as Oubre will miss its game against the Brooklyn Nets (8-19) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST. He participated in an individual workout during the 76ers’ practice on Monday afternoon, which Nick Nurse described as the forward’s most intense since his injury, Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire reported.