Predicting the 76ers' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason
By Will Eudy
Small forward: Kelly Oubre
There is less need for change in Philadelphia at the small forward position. This past season, Nick Nurse altered between a variety of wing options at the starting three spot like Buddy Hield, Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, and of course Kelly Oubre. Heading into next year, the 76ers' best option will likely be to stick with Oubre as their top option for a starting small forward.
Of course, to do that they will first need to re-sign him. Kelly just finished up playing out his one-year, $2.8 million deal with Philly after spending the previous season with the Charlotte Hornets. The good news for the Sixers is that after signing this one-year contract, his counting stats actually took a dip from his 2022-23 season in Charlotte. His production on the court was still adequate, but he did not overperform to the point that he will demand a big pay raise, in all likelihood.
With the 76ers in need of good secondary production from a wing but also needing to spend much more at other positions, Oubre's situation is an ideal one. He can come back and bring solid outside shooting and serviceable defense to the starting lineup on either a one or two-year deal without commanding a massive paycheck.