Phoenix Suns: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2019-20
By Adam Noel
3. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Kelly Oubre Jr. isn’t your typical NBA player.
He brings spunk, style and skill to a Phoenix Suns team that’s lacked dearly in those departments in recent years. A former 15th overall pick in 2015, Oubre Jr. has taken a little longer than most to play to his draft position, but seemed to find his groove with the Suns last season.
And boy, oh boy, did Phoenix luck out he found it in the Valley.
Oubre put together his best season of his career in a split season between the Washington Wizards and Suns. After 29 games with the Wizards, the forward found himself in a new environment following a trade to the Suns.
Turns out it was just what the doctor ordered as Oubre put up career-bests in points, rebounds and assists. It also earned him a 2-year, $30 million deal to return to the Suns in free agency.
Perhaps the best game Oubre had during the 2018-19 season, was his performance against the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 8. In only his 11th game with Phoenix, the forward matched his then-career-high with 26 points, including a put-back dunk to seal the Suns’ victory.
While Oubre did go on to break that 26-point plateau, it was also one of his most efficient games from the field (9-for-15), adding on five rebounds and four assists along the way. That’s extremely reflective of the type of player Oubre is. He brings a versatile skill set to the Suns.
In many ways, that’s just why the forward could have a breakout year next season.
After three lackluster seasons in Washington, Oubre found himself starting only 25 total games. Now with the Suns, the opportunity stands for him to start on nightly basis as the team’s starting small forward.
While he’ll need to fight to keep his job, the chance is there for Oubre to take his game to the next level.