Phoenix Suns: Kelly Oubre Jr. is an underrated enigma

Kelly Oubre Jr. is more than just an energetic baller, he has the potential to push the Phoenix Suns into the playoff picture.

Over the 2019-20 NBA season, we saw the rise of Kelly Oubre Jr., who quickly adjusted to his new role for the Phoenix Suns. Oubre was ridiculously popular this season, for his energetic attitude on the court, his flamboyant clothing and his social media comments.

To be honest, it doesn’t take long to understand why Oubre Jr. is so well received by fans. After all, the guy is an absolute menace on the court. He’s shown the potential to become an able and reliable body for the Suns, and last season was clear evidence of that.

Oubre averaged 18.7 points per game, along with grabbing 6.4 rebounds per game, with 1.3 steals per game. He was also able to shoot around 45.2 percent from the field, with 35.2 percent from 3-point range.

Also, he may have posterized your favorite NBA player along the way.

Tsunami Papi, as he’s referred to, has tons of potential to become an All-Star caliber player and a reliable defender for the Suns. He certainly has some room for improvement, such as his inconsistent shooting numbers, and his tunnel vision on the passes. But those negatives shouldn’t necessarily ring alarm bells.

Oubre is one of the most athletic forwards in the West as it stands, with a quick and chirpy playstyle that only fuels energy to the rest of his team. He’s also a deadly perimeter defender, smothering and locking down some of the most lethal wings in the league. He’s got the makings of an All-Star player, and as he steps up to the next level, his team will only improve with him.

When fans talk about upcoming stars, Oubre Jr. is usually omitted from that topic.

The Phoenix Suns’ young core perfectly suit Oubre, and with their slow development may come thoughts of a playoff appearance.

Kelly Oubre’s inclusion on this young Suns’ roster has lead to success, but eventually, the playoff picture should open up for the Arizona team. Within the Western Conference, the Suns obviously face a massive challenge, but with the likely departure of the San Antonio Spurs from the playoff picture as things stood at the start of the 2019-20 season’s COVID-19-induced hiatus, there is a glimmer of hope.

While teams such as the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies stepping up to the playoff level, Oubre can become that X-Factor for the Suns to lift themselves into the playoffs.

As Devin Booker becomes one of the most deadly scorers in the league and Deandre Ayton grows into a formidable back-to-basket player, Oubre is the perfect player to complement their successful playstyle. In fact, as they all enter their primes soon, don’t be surprised to see them all in the All-Star game eventually.

Remember it’s only just a matter of time before Kelly Oubre Jr. becomes more than just a chick magnet, and into an athletic, defensive force alongside that dangerous duo of Booker and Ayton.

Watch for the wave, Oubre Jr. is going to make a massive splash.