Kelly Oubre Jr. Height: 6-7

Weight: 205 lbs.

Age: 21

NBA Experience: 2 years

Nickname: Wave Papi

By the Numbers:

Games Played: 79

Games Started: 5

Total Minutes: 1605 (20.3 MPG)

Points: 501 (6.3 PPG)

Assists: 47 (0.7 APG)

Rebounds: 260 (3.3 RPG)

Steals: 58 (0.7 SPG)

Blocks: 17 (0.2 BPG)

Field goals: 186-442 (.421)

Free throws: 75-99 (.758)

3-pointers: 54-188 (.287)

Turnovers: 49

PER: 9.1

In hiring Scott Brooks to lead these Wizards, a major point of emphasis was his ability to develop young players. No exception was made in the case of Kelly Oubre. A 6’7” 21 year old with a 7’2” wing span and 37 inch vertical, the kid is oozing potential. Although he didn’t make a major leap forward this season, he did show many positive strides in becoming a key figure on this team. Oubre was arguably the Wizards’ most productive bench player this season and showed an added sense of tenacity and grit on the defensive end that the team seemed to lack elsewhere (see Olynk, Kelly). In the playoffs, Oubre was often guarding positions 1-4, proving his flexibility and worth. Aside from one monumental dust up, he was critical to the Wizards success this postseason. Beyond that, when Ted Leonsis himself wears your jersey to show his support and appreciation you must be doing something right.

Season Takeaways

• A major struggle for Oubre in his rookie year was earning Randy Wittman’s trust, and it showed in his inconsistent minutes as he averaged around 10 minutes per game. This year he doubled that to about 20 minutes per game which in itself shows Coach Brooks’ growing trust in the young forward. While didn’t put up major numbers, Oubre did prove he can fit within the system and he especially thrived when sharing the court with Wall, Beal and the rest of the starters.

• The Wizards were really hoping Oubre would turn into the 3-and-D stud off the bench they’ve needed since the departure of Trevor Ariza. Although he showed some flashes of being able to handle this, he didn’t exactly maximize his opportunities in that role. There were moments in which he’d look like a knock down shooter or lock down defender but the inconsistencies showed as he still hasn’t quite put it all together.

• We have to remember, the kid is still just 21 years old and very much so still learning the game. He’s got the body, athleticism, and grit as we saw throughout the season and playoffs. He will likely remain the 6th man next year and we’ll need him to improve and shore up an already shaky bench.

What's next?

This offseason is critical for Oubre. The Wizards are strapped for cash so if Otto is re-signed, Oubre will be looked at to take on a bigger role as that likely means the departure of Bojan Bogdanovic. He seems to have the hunger and drive to become a better player but next season will be his opportunity to back it up with his numbers. If Kelly can lead the 2nd unit to some form of respectability and continue to thrive when playing with the starters it will be considered a success. Similar to Otto, in year 3 Oubre needs to make the jump and become a defensive force as well as a consistent spot up 3-point shooter. If he can put it all together the sky is the limit for this kid.

The best of Oubre off the court.

You may not have known but Kelly has a very keen fashion sense. He has his own brand called Dope$oul, attended last year’s New York Fashion Week on behalf of the NBAPA (see video below), and has mentioned that we shouldn’t be surprised to see him collaborate with Kanye West on a potential sneaker/clothing project.

The best of Oubre on the court.