The 2024-25 season is just around the corner, and the Philadelphia 76ers will finally get to introduce their relatively new act to the crowd in just a few wiggles. Following a new flagship addition and a slew of well-received moves in free agency, everybody is anticipating the franchise to soar to new heights this season.
However, to mount a successful campaign, the 76ers need to be lethal across the board as solely relying on their vaunted Big Three would not be enough to dethrone the defending champions and claim the title for themselves. One player in particular whose contributions will prove to be critical is Kelly Oubre Jr., who re-signed with Philly during the offseason.
Kelly Oubre Jr. will bank on momentum as a key player for the 76ers next season
Oubre, who alternated as a starter and bench cog last season, is set to reprise another significant role in 2024-25. Whether Nick Nurse decides to trot him out as a lead second-unit scorer or a complementary release point in the opening group remains to be seen, but there's no denying that he's one of the more important players for the 76ers not named Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey or Paul George.
If installed as a starter, Oubre should be able to thrive efficiency-wise off of sagging defenders, who will undoubtedly double down on the team's triumvirate of high-volume scorers. While he turned in a strong overall showing last season, he shot just 31.1 percent from downtown, a mark that should easily climb above league-average with less defensive attention.
Alternatively, the 28-year-old could find himself as the first player off the bench, serving as the team's nominal sixth man. This is arguably the more sensible set-up for him given his skillset. Oubre has always fared well as a designated scorer, especially as a primary option, with his rim-running ability and shot creation.
Defensively, Oubre made significant waves last season. He adapted well to Nurse's switchy defensive schemes, which is conventionally more amenable to rangy wings like him. There shouldn't be any decline from him on that end, especially with another All-Defensive Team caliber defender in George to feed off of.
Kelly Oubre Jr. will be a very important piece of the puzzle for the Philadelphia 76ers next season. After all, he's easily one of the more versatile weapons on the team, capable of playing any role on both ends.