The Philadelphia 76ers are entering yet another season with a inconsistent rotation due to injuries and general uncertainty about their fitness. There is optimism about what the team could accomplish when healthy, but moving pieces that have had limited opportunities to develop chemistry remain in place.
Amid a sea of uncertainty, one player has quietly made themselves essential to the team’s success despite the polarizing reputation they carry: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre, 29, is a player who could be described in 10 completely different ways by 10 fans and analysts. He’s a sharp wing who insists on shooting a high number of threes despite his poor efficiency from beyond the arc, as well as the proverbial tunnel-vision scorer who’s unlikely to faint on his drives.
However, Oubre is also one of the more efficient inside-the-arc scorers on the 76ers’ roster, as well as a vastly improved defender — at least in one respect.
This past season, Oubre shot 29.3 percent on 4.0 three-point attempts per game and dished out just 1.8 assists despite averaging 50.9 touches. He also increased his two-point field goal percentage by 3.8 percent, became more decisive on the ball and was impressively active in an off-ball defensive role.
Despite whatever shortcomings Oubre may have, he has found a way to contribute value to the 76ers that they might otherwise struggle to generate in 2025-2026.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has proven to be too valuable for the 76ers to write off
Oubre deserves credit for becoming much more decisive when the ball is sent his way. He averaged just 1.85 dribbles per touch in 2024/25 and 2.65 seconds on the ball per touch, neither of which supports a ball-dominant reputation.
Oubre also averaged 0.297 points per touch, ranking him No. 1 among Philadelphia players who got at least 20.0 minutes per game in 2024-25.
While still not perfected, Oubre is working on carving out a role where the ball comes his way and he makes a quick decision that leads to a scoring opportunity. Even the remaining issues Oubre needs to solve are being addressed, with a key example being that he made 1.5 fewer three-point goals per 36 minutes in 2024-25 than he did in 2023-24.
Oubre’s growth and quick transition from touch to decision could be invaluable to a team that has three All-Stars who will command a high volume of touches when healthy, as well as a free agent with something to prove in the form of Quentin Grimes.
On the other side of the floor, Oubre has become one of the more active defenders in the NBA. He ranked No. 2 in the Association in deflections per game during the 2024-2025 season and averaged 1.5 steals per game in his career.
Oubre even pulled down 6.1 rebounds per game, his highest mark since 2019-20, and a career-best 1.6 offensive boards per game.
Oubre needs to improve his defensive consistency when not going for the ball and continue on the path of improving his shot selection. However, the progress he has made is undeniable, and his ability to fill any hole the 76ers have could prove significant with a healthier roster.
Oubre faces a lot of criticism, but he has proven over the past year that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the 76ers win. That kind of mentality cannot be overlooked.
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