As September comes to an end, the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA regular season is getting closer and closer. Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers had a highly active offseason and are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
One of their key transactions was re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr. He should be the starting shooting guard for the Sixers this season. Oubre Jr. is a very explosive player who stands to benefit from playing next to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. So, if Oubre Jr. can continue to add to his game and level up his skill-set, he should be one of the most significant role players on the Sixers roster.
How Kelly Oubre Jr Can Level Up His Skillset
Become A Three-Point Sniper
Last season, Oubre Jr. was a key role player for the Sixers who had to fill in because of injuries to Embiid and Maxey. One of the biggest weaknesses in his game is that he does not have a consistent three-point shot. He only made 31.1% of his three-pointers last season. He should have numerous opportunities to increase his three-point percentage this season, with the amount of high-percentage shooting opportunities that Embiid, George, and Maxey create for their teammates.
During this upcoming season, if Oubre is able to make 38-40% of his three-pointers, that should add another dimension to the Sixers offense and give them a consistent fourth scorer. In addition, finding a fourth scorer will make them a hard team to gameplan for.
Become More Of A Facilitator For 76ers
The Sixers have a deep roster. However, they need more playmakers who can create scoring opportunities for their teammates. Last season, Oubre Jr averaged 1.1 assists per game, and his scoring and shot-creation abilities were what the Sixers needed last season.
So, if he can increase his assists to three to four assists per game, that should make the Sixers offense even more explosive. In addition, this season if he can improve as a playmaker that will give Philly an additional facilitator, and that should take the pressure off of Maxey.
Oubre Jr. Needs To Become A Defensive Menace
Oubre Jr. has really become a valued member of this Sixers team and can increase his value even more by becoming a defensive menace. Also, improving his defensive skill-set will make Philly’s starting five even more of a nightmare for opposing teams. As a result, Oubre Jr. should be able to improve the Sixers perimeter defensive scheme.
Previous 76ers squads have failed because they did not have enough wing defenders. However, Philly should not have that problem this season, with the amount of wing depth they have accumulated on their roster. Oubre Jr. becoming a defensive menace should help decrease the defensive responsibilities of Embiid and George. Additionally, that should keep both of them fresh for the postseason.
A motivated Kelly Oubre Jr. is an important thing for the Sixers and should put them in a great position to contend for a title this season. So, if he is able to level up his skill-set by implementing these three things into his game, he should become one of the best role players on the Sixers roster this season.
