Ranking 76ers free agents by likelihood to return next season
By Tyler Watts
4. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre may have been the best minimum signing in the NBA last season. He averaged over 20 points per game for the Hornets but was the odd man out in free agency. The 6’7 wing could not find a contract and was forced to settle for a one-year veteran minimum deal with the Sixers.
He responded by averaging 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 30.2 minutes per game. Oubre is a subpar 3-point shooter but played a key role this season. He barely came off the floor in the playoffs as the 76ers were knocked out by the Knicks in the opening round.
Keith Pompey reported Oubre is one of three veteran free agents the franchise is most likely to re-sign. The 28-year-old is in his prime and finding a 6’7 wing capable of scoring 15 points every night for less than the mid-level exception won't be easy. The Sixers have non-Bird Rights on Oubre, so he must be willing to accept a smaller deal to stay in the City of Brotherly Love.
The Philadelphia 76ers will need depth, especially on the wing if they plan on building a title-contending roster this summer. They know what Kelly Oubre Jr. can do and are comfortable with making him their sixth man moving forward.