76ers face moment of truth now that Kelly Oubre’s decision couldn’t be clearer

The Philadelphia 76ers survived a close home game against the struggling Sacramento Kings, but no one will be particularly happy about how that game went for the hosts. After all, they had to come back one more time in the final frame to get a win against one of the worst teams in the league. More importantly, there is now an obvious lineup choice hanging around the coaching staff.

Since returning from injury, Kelly Oubre has started the most games. However, with the bench still struggling to produce consistently, it is high time for Nick Nurse and the coaching staff to reshape his role and deploy him as their regular sixth man. Their last game against the Kings only doubles down on that much-needed change.

In 37 minutes of playing time, Oubre recorded just four points and three rebounds while attempting just three shots all game. While that is a complete departure from what has been the case for him this season, his role is currently not being optimized for what he is capable of as a natural goalscorer.

The 76ers need to move Kelly Oubre to the bench

While Philly already has that four capable shot makers in the starting unit, a fifth isn’t really necessary. Instead, the coaching staff should seriously consider starting Dominick Barlow or Trendon Watford at power forward and let Oubre lead the second unit.

The 76ers bench is 26th in the league in scoring per game, continuing a troubling trend for the franchise. Quentin Grimes, who is currently sidelined, has not been shooting the ball well for a few months. Jared McCain is slowly getting his groove back, but if he’s the main swinger off the bench, he’s being overtaxed.

Oubre is averaging more than 14 points per game this season while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range. Those numbers will likely increase if he has the freedom to chase his own opportunity with the second unit – something he simply doesn’t have when playing for the most part with the starters.

The veteran Oubre has become an important part of the team, but the 76ers also need to do him justice by putting him in a better position to succeed and take full advantage of his skills. Moving him to the bench should allow him to help the team in a more tangible way.