Washington Wizards: 5 goals for Kelly Oubre Jr. in 2017-18

1. Become the Wizards’ primary defender

Kelly Oubre Jr. has an opportunity to play a key role on this Washington Wizards team. He’ll just need to assert himself more on the defensive end. He has a chance to become the Wizards’ primary defender, something that could carry them come playoff time. He’s still coming into his own, after all, entering his third season in the NBA.

The NBA Playoffs were an eye-opening experience for Oubre Jr. as he began to realize his potential with this squad. A one-game suspension from last year’s playoffs for shoving former Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk showed just how fiery Oubre can get in the heat of battle.

Oubre didn’t have a strong stat line in the playoffs, but his presence was hard to ignore anytime he was on the floor, especially on defense. He was looked upon to carry some of the defensive load in last season’s playoffs, but his play on offense kept him on a short leash.

Next: 2017-18 Week 1 NBA Power Rankings

With all the work Oubre Jr. put in on the offensive side of the ball, this is his year to put it all together in 2017-18. The leash should be a bit looser with head coach Scott Brooks this season. Look for Kelly Oubre Jr. to emerge as Washington Wizards’ primary defensive stopper in Year 3.