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An Assessment Of Kelly Oubre’s Summer League So Far

By Josh Wilson

Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Tekele Cotton (32) drives around Kansas Jayhawks guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Tekele Cotton (32) drives around Kansas Jayhawks guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Summer League has officially kicked off for the Washington Wizards. Their first round pick Kelly Oubre Jr, who was acquired in a trade from the Atlanta Hawks on draft night, has been determined to prove his draft night claim that he was a “jewel” in the crowd of prospects. In order to do so, Oubre had to show up big time for Summer League.

One thing is for sure following the first two games, we’re impressed. He’s statistically put up good numbers in the first two games. Watching the film, he looks incredibly focused and aware. We can tell this by the amount of rebounds he brought in, especially on some of his own shots. He was able to grab his own rebound for a second chance shot on multiple occasions.

The stats back up his show of focus too, as he’s averaged nine rebounds per game so far.

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Other things that have been impressive in Oubre’s play include his physicality. Despite doubts of his stature being too small, and a need to bulk up, he has been present on defense, drawing some hard charges and sacrificing his body for loose balls. For someone who “isn’t big enough,” he sure is doing a pretty good job of using his body.

Oubre addressed this as well after the second Summer League game, saying:

"“I have the light frame… Everybody knows that. Everybody can see that. But I’m not weak. I can bang. A lot of guys are trying me, but they’re going to be pretty surprised on how strong I am.”"

He also seems to be taking one of the roles as a leader onto himself. In a mic’d up session Oubre really seemed to be communicating well with his teammates, even delegating the coach’s needs at some points.

Now, I’m all for talking about the positives about Oubre’s Summer League so far, but we have to be critical as well. After all, Summer League is good for two things: Players showing what they’re made of, and players discovering what needs to be fixed before the season if they are in fact picked up by a team.

One thing that many people watching just can’t shake is the fact that Oubre seemed timid with a jump shot. Sure, the points are there, as he’s averaging 19 per game, but it seems that way too many of his shots are coming right at the rim. I’d love to see him expand his range in further games.

Oubre stuck up for himself here too, saying:

"“I have 100 percent confidence in my shot.”"

There’s no problem with having a great inside game, but with the Wizards’ needs to stretch the floor more often, and a want to get a peek at Oubre’s shot, it would be nice to see him use Summer League to show us what he’s got.

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    • On the shots that were close to the rim, he went up strong, drawing fouls. Often though, he wouldn’t make the shot. He needs to follow through and make the shots even when he is fouled, because this adds an extra point every time if he is able to make the free throw.

    Drawing these fouls certainly advocates for his physicality too, but if he is unable to make the shot as well, it’s not as effective. Although earlier I did advocate for his physicality, I still think he needs to get bigger, and bulk up a bit if he wants to continue driving to the hoop in the NBA. He’s doing a pretty good job now with dominating against some Summer League opponents, but I have a tough time envisioning him going up against some NBA big men like Andrew Bogut or DeAndre Jordan.

    Overall, what we’ve seen from Oubre in the Summer League games is promising. Going into this summer, we knew he was going to be a bit of a project, but he’s already got a foot in the door on several categories. I still think Oubre was a good pickup, but certainly has some things he needs to work on before he could even be considered for significant playing time.

    He’s confident, and looking to make improvements. The reception of his first two games as a Wizard has been positive, and I believe he has made a decent first impression.

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