FORT COLLINS, Colo. — New Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. looks to make an impact on a new team that is ready to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers brought in Oubre Jr. on a one-year deal late in free agency after he averaged 20.3 points with the Charlotte Hornets.
Now with the Sixers, Oubre Jr. is looking to find his role. He will likely come off the bench in Philadelphia as the backup for Tobias Harris at the small forward spot or even at the 2 behind Tyrese Maxey.
However, Oubre Jr. isn’t looking to just fit in. He is looking to really put his stamp on the Sixers and stand out.
“I don’t see myself fitting in,” Oubre Jr. said succinctly. “I see myself standing out. So that’s what I want to do.”
Oubre Jr. didn’t clearly define what the term standing out meant, but he is very confident about what he brings to the table.
“You have to wait and see, man,” Oubre Jr. added. “I’m here in this moment right now. I can’t predict the future, but I’m gonna just do everything coach tells me to do and I’m ready to go to war. So whatever you take out of that, that’s what you take.”
Coach Nick Nurse values defensive effort. He is going to push everybody on the roster to continue taking steps forward and the same goes for Oubre Jr.
“I’m ready to lock in on defense,” Oubre Jr. continued. “Bring that bread and butter back to my game and continue to just plant those seeds and allow them to grow, but coach Nick has a great foundation for me to do so and I’m excited to get better, man. That’s what I want to do every single year, but I gotta bring defense back first.”
If Oubre Jr. can bring his silky smooth offensive game off the bench and lock in on the defensive end, he will certainly stand out for this group as they move forward.
[lawrence-related id=84611,84605,84602]