Washington Wizards young forward Kelly Oubre Jr is unlikely to sign an extension with the team, per Chase Hughes of NBC Sports. While there is no animosity between Oubre and the Wizards, both sides are just patiently trying to take things into perspective.
“When it comes to the Wizards and Oubre, whom they picked 15th overall in 2015, both sides have reason to wait. The Wizards have substantial money committed long-term to other players, so they can use the flexibility, and Oubre knows he can raise his stock significantly with a big year.”
While Oubre is yet to live up to his billing as a lottery pick, the 6-foot-7 lefty had the most productive season of his three-year stint with the Wizards. He averaged 11.8 points and 4.5 rebounds on an improved 35% clip from beyond the arc. He also made strides as the Wiz' stretch four last year, showing glimpses of defending opposing power forwards.
SB Nation's Jake Whitacre also noted that Wizards’ five-most effective lineups that played at least 50 minutes all included Oubre. In today's pace-and-space style of game, Oubre and Otto Porter manning both forward positions is actually an effective proposition for the Wizards. The team also snagged Dwight Howard through free agency this summer, giving the Wizards much-needed help defense and interior presence.
Still, Oubre needs to make a stronger case of himself if he wants in on the starting lineup. Porter will definitely be there. Oubre will compete with Markieff Morris, who arguably had better numbers for the team last season.
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