Through the Phog
Fansided

Kansas basketball: Former Jayhawk Kelly Oubre Jr. joining Embiid on 76ers

By Joshua Schulman

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 03: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center on March 03, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 03: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center on March 03, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former Kansas basketball player Kelly Oubre Jr. recently signed a contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

After spending months searching for the right franchise to sign with, Kelly Oubre Jr. has finally found his new home — and he’ll be sharing the court with one of the greatest Kansas Jayhawks to ever play in the NBA.

Oubre signed a one-year veteran’s minimum contract with the 76ers, meaning he’ll earn $2,891,467 for the 2023-24 season. He has spent the last two years in Charlotte with the Hornets after previously spending time with the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards.

In 2022-23, the southpaw averaged a career-high 20.3 points across 48 games. He also recorded 5.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 assists per contest.

The Louisiana native was a one-and-done with the Kansas basketball program. He spent the 2014-15 season with the Jayhawks, playing in all 36 games and averaging 9.3 points and 5.0 rebounds in 21.0 minutes per game. Kansas lost in the Round of 32 to Wichita State that year, and Oubre subsequently entered the NBA Draft. He was eventually selected with the 15th pick by the Atlanta Hawks.

At 27 years old, Oubre still has plenty to offer for an NBA team. He is entering the prime of his career and although he is a defensive liability, there were not many players left on the free agency market with as much offensive talent as him.

Kelly Oubre Jr. could be in for increased playing time

Philadelphia went 54-28 last season, the most games they have won since 2000-01. However, they failed to get over the hump during the conference semifinals. The 6ers are 0-5 in the second round of the playoffs since superstar center Joel Embiid was drafted in 2014.

Nearly two years ago, former Houston Rocket James Harden was traded to Philly for Ben Simmons and other pieces. He led the league in assists per game last season and enjoyed success alongside Embiid, but he requested a trade this offseason. Harden even had a video posted saying he will never play for a Daryl Morey-led organization again. Morey is the president of basketball operations in Philly.

If Harden does indeed decide to hold out of training camp and the upcoming year, Oubre could see extended playing time as a result. He will compete with De’Anthony Melton, Furkan Korkmaz, and Danuel House for the remaining spot in the starting lineup. That means he could begin the game playing with the 2023 NBA MVP and former Kansas basketball star, Joel Embiid.

Svi Mykhailiuk inks contract with Boston Celtics. dark. Next

Home/Kansas Jayhawks Basketball