The Washington Wizards picked up the $3.2 million option on Kelly Oubre’s rookie contract, keeping him in Washington through 2018-2019.
The Washington Wizards have exercised the fourth-year option on Kelly Oubre’s rookie contract. As first reported by Candace Buckner of the Washington Post, the $3.2 million move guarantees Oubre’s return for the 2018-19 season. .
Oubre was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in a draft day trade back in in 2015. He has since emerged as an integral piece to the Wizards lineup. Injuries to Markieff Morris (sports hernia) and Jason Smith (shoulder strain), provided Oubre the opportunity to start in Friday night’s win over the Detroit Pistons.
In 35 minutes of play, Oubre scored just four points off 1-5 shooting from the floor. Oubre’s most influential contribution came on defense. He grabbed seven rebounds and recorded two steals.
In their season opener against the Sixers, he had 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Oubre is a defensive weapon. While at the same time, if he doesn’t learn how to stay out of foul trouble, he can also be a defensive liability.
The Wizards are desperate for help on defensive end. Oubre has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the league. His 7’2” wingspan and explosive quickness allow him to defend almost anyone in the NBA. He has already shown the ability to interrupt passing lanes and crash the boards with his freak athleticism. Wizards fans must remain patient when it comes to his offense and overall style of play.
Oubre has already shown great strides in improving his offensive game for the Wizards. Most notably, he has learned to finish with his right hand and knock down the three ball. Both of which were on display during the preseason.
Last season, Oubre averaged 6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game over 79 contests. Both of these numbers, along with his 42% shooting from field goal range, and 28% from 3-point range, will rise dramatically in 2017-18.
Much like what Bradley Beal has done over the first two games, I want to see Oubre attack inside and find himself at the free-throw line more often. Wall, Beal, and Porter will open up the offense. The pure athleticism of Oubre will outmatch most opposing defenders one-on-one. This should allow a number of easier looks inside for Oubre.
Before the 2016 season, Wizards General Manager, Ernie Grunfield, said Oubre is a 2-3 year project. Entering year three, Oubre’s progression and maturation is promising. Morris should return to the starting lineup within the next week or two. This will allow Coach Scott Brooks to experiment with the lineups.
A starting lineup with John Wall and Beal in the backcourt, Otto Porter and Oubre in the wings, and Morris at center, could be the small, explosive lineup that carries the Wizards to the Eastern Conference finals. Oubre’s athleticism at the four will allow the Wizards to spread the floor. Morris will be a defensive improvement over Marcin Gortat, who has struggled defending the perimeter (the biggest weakness of the Wizards).
Oubre has shown both growth and maturity this season. His exuberance and confidence lifts those who play alongside him, and also those who watch him. This season could be a breakout year for the young forward. Because he’s fearless when attacking the rim, and isn’t scared of any matchup.
One thing that’s undeniable is his energy, and that’s something you can’t buy in a bottle. That energy will push the Wizards during the playoffs. The secret isn’t that Oubre doesn’t get tired. Rather, he makes those he’s defending tired. And that my friend, could make all the difference.