Washington Wizards have seen their confidence falter, but Kelly Oubre has infused the entire roster with an immeasurable metric: swag.
The Washington Wizards have had confident, young players in their locker room before.
To an outsider without any NBA knowledge, Jordan Crawford looked and carried himself like a star. When the media spoke to Crawford, he replied with a low tone, often making headlines for saying things only a superstar (and LaVar Ball) can get away with.
Crawford, along with Andray Blatche, Nick Young and JaVale McGee had an irrational amount of confidence in themselves – confidence that eventually led to their respective demises. Their self-belief created roadblocks between them and their development, not allowing the coaching staff to work on their obvious flaws.
But that sort of confidence didn’t help the Washington Wizards win games – and really, it could be argued that it caused them to lose games they should’ve otherwise won.
The aforementioned players tried to showcase their respective talents to the detriment of the team by forcing bad shots and refusing to commit defensively.
Kelly Oubre, 21, is different.
The second year forward is often caught dancing on the CSN Mid-Atlantic camera while his teammates run through the tunnel. He’s created signature hang gestures for successful plays, too.
In some ways, he lives up to the irritating, millennial stereotype: a kid who went out of his way to wear the funkiest shoes on his draft day and purposely wears his shorts higher than intended.
The difference is, Oubre’s confidence and self-belief haven’t altered the way he views his basketball reality.
Instead of thinking he’s the best player on the floor without having anything to back that claim, Oubre has accepted his role as the Washington Wizards’ pest – someone Scott Brooks could rely on for perimeter defense, momentum changing fast breaks and spot-up 3-point shooting.
On Thursday night against the New York Knicks, Oubre continued to make his case for a permanent spot in Brooks’ rotation.
At this point in the season, most 21 year olds are gearing up for sitting during the NBA Playoffs, but Oubre’s play could earn him minutes on the biggest stage the league has to offer.
Again, Oubre continued to find success from his niche: defense, energy and outside shooting.
More from Wiz of Awes
- It would be a mistake for the Wizards to trade for this elite sharpshooter
- When is the 2024 NBA trade deadline? Everything you need to know
- 5 early predictions for the 2023-24 Washington Wizards
- 4 most interesting Washington Wizards storylines for the 2023-24 season
- Washington Wizards: 3 teams that would be perfect fit for Danilo Gallinari
Oubre contributed 13 points on 5-8 shooting from the field with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.
New York managed to cut Washington’s double-digit lead to just 6 in the fourth quarter, but Oubre thwarted their comeback effort.
Two plays, in particular, secured the Wizards a win inside Madison Square Garden.
Oubre, even during his rookie season, was never afraid of being challenged by the veteran players, no matter what level they were at.
Carmelo Anthony tried to abuse the youngster with his patented one-dribble spin move, but was met by Oubre at the rim, who cam tumbling down after rejecting his shot.
Then with just a few minutes remaining in the game, Sasha Vujacic used his body – like a veteran – to get to the basket, but Oubre chased him down, sending the shot off the glass.
Without those two plays – ones that won’t get highlighted on the box score – the Washington Wizards would’ve failed to beat the lowly Knicks and their 50-win goal would’ve been in jeopardy.
Next: Why the Wizards Must Embrace Underdog Role
When the team is at its best, there’s a carefree attitude and confidence the players step onto the court with – swag, even. Oubre has infused the team with that necessary element with four games remaining in the season, right before the beginning of the playoffs.