Washington Wizards: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 Media Day
4. Expectations are high for Kelly Oubre Jr.
The Washington Wizards are expecting good things from forward Kelly Oubre Jr., especially considering the absence of Markieff Morris to begin the 2017-18 campaign.
Oubre Jr.’s role is expected to expand this season, much like forward Otto Porter Jr., who signed a four-year, $106.5 million deal as a restricted free agent in the offseason.
More from Washington Wizards
- Washington Wizards draft odds: What are their chances at the #1 pick?
- Wizards: 5 Teams that should trade for Bradley Beal this summer
- Ranking the top 18 shooters available on NBA trade market
- Trade Grades: Rui Hachimura traded to the Lakers
- NBA Trades: 5 under-the-radar trade targets
Oubre is coming off a season in which he averaged 6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the field. His shot is expected to change as he worked on his shooting mechanics this offseason.
He noted that a change in Porter’s shot was key in a rise in his production in 2016-17. Porter finished shooting a career-high 43.4 percent from 3-point range last season.
3-point shooting is something the Washington Wizards can approve upon in 2017-18. They ranked 16th in the NBA in 3-pointers made (9.2 per game) last year.
Oubre enters Wizards training camp as an early dark horse to crack the starting lineup. A lineup of Wall/Beal/Gortat/Porter/Oubre certainly has the versatility to work, but Oubre will need to apply himself more on defense.
He stepped up big in last year’s playoffs but an even deeper focus could benefit the Wizards greatly in the win column.