Phoenix Suns: 5 takeaways from the 2018-19 NBA season
4. Re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr. is a must
In his 40 games with the Suns, Kelly Oubre Jr. averaged 16.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game on 45.3 percent shooting — all of which were career highs. He was also tied for 10th in the league in deflections with teammate Mikal Bridges, recording 3.0 per game over that span.
It wasn’t just his production that makes Oubre a must-have this summer, however, and there are obvious flaws to his game. He can get tunnel vision on drives, he only converted 32.5 percent of his 5.2 3-point attempts per game and there are legitimate concerns about this being a case of that dreaded “contract year” production that’s never matched again after being rewarded with a new deal.
With that being said, Oubre quickly ingratiated himself as a fan favorite and driving force behind the “Valley Boyz” moniker. A fun new nickname alone doesn’t mean much (remember the promise of “The Timeline”?), but he ushered in a new era where the Suns’ young core actually played well together and liked each other. He brought swag, confidence, pregame drip and most importantly, backed it up on the court. It was a wave, and Tsunami Papi started it.
I really have no idea what contract Oubre is going to settle on. But at this point, I’d be shocked if he wasn’t on the Suns next season.
— David (@theIVpointplay) April 17, 2019
Oubre alone wasn’t the difference, but he was a catalyst behind a new and optimistic stretch of season after he got acclimated. Once the Suns adjusted to the arrival of an actual floor general in Tyler Johnson, they ripped off a 5-2 stretch in early March that included wins over the playoff-desperate Los Angeles Lakers, league-leading Milwaukee Bucks and defending champion Golden State Warriors. The key? Johnson, Booker, Bridges, Oubre and Ayton were all healthy.
Kelly Oubre Jr. may never be an NBA superstar, nor should he be the second scoring option on a team with future playoff aspirations. For the time being, however, his abilities as a slasher, versatile defender and trendsetter can’t be ignored in Phoenix, especially since his status as a restricted free agent gives the Suns the power to match any offer.
Expect Phoenix to iron out a new deal with Oubre quickly this summer, even if it takes awhile for the ink to dry since it makes more sense to sign him last, when they can go over the salary cap by re-signing one of their own players.