The season opener was not splendid for Kelly Oubre Jr, as he struggled to stay as much as the requirements he set in his first season with the staff. Philadelphia 76ers.
Within the first month, Oubre struggled on the court docket, managing to common 12 factors on 43 % from the sphere whereas additionally grabbing 5 rebounds per recreation. Whereas these numbers aren’t horrible, additionally they have not helped the staff, with the 29-year-old having a plus-minus of minus-6.1 throughout this stint.
These struggles persevered till early December, when Oubre’s productiveness modified in all elements. In relation to the offensive finish, Oubre is averaging 15 factors on an environment friendly 57 % taking pictures whereas additionally allotting two assists per recreation.
One space that has seen an uptick is his defensive rebounds, with the Sixers guard averaging 5 per recreation, together with two nights of 9 defensive rebounds towards the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers respectively.
Following the Sixers’ win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday evening, Nick Nurse spoke about Oubre’s latest plight, explaining that a part of it may be attributed to his positioning on the court docket.
“The choice-making, I believe he takes it to locations which might be good locations,” Nurse mentioned, “he takes it to extra cutting-edge issues, possibly not proper in entrance of the rim, however in locations the place he’s poised, surging, gaining clearance on the photographs he rolls over…”
Kelly Oubre Jr. has typically been nice these days, and his passing has been good as effectively.
He makes nice reads of his drives, units up guys for straightforward finishes below the rim and in addition makes good fast reads as a screener/curler. pic.twitter.com/UhwwntesC7
– Tom West (@TomWestNBA) December 22, 2024
Whereas his basketball IQ obtained reward from Nurse, one other space highlighted by the Sixers head coach was his preparation to obtain the ball.
“He seems to be like he is able to shoot when the ball on the three-point line comes in the direction of him, he is already shifting when it hits his fingers and that is a great signal that his fingers, toes and head are all able to shoot go,” the nurse defined.
