The Indiana Pacers made Kelly Oubre Jr. their key offseason acquisition, but now they have to figure out how he fits into the rotation. The veteran forward has primarily been a starter in six of the last seven years and is coming off his best shooting season. Since 2020, he’s averaged 31.2 minutes per game. The Pacers must find him starter’s minutes to keep him happy. With Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith returning, this is a crucial but difficult decision for the Pacers.
Indy reached the 2025 NBA Finals with Nembhard and Nesmith starting next to Tyrese Haliburton. That is the most logical configuration if Oubre Jr. is comfortable coming off the bench. The 6’8 forward will still want to play 30 minutes every night and be an important piece. That will make Rick Carlisle’s job a bit more difficult, but having too much talent is a great problem to have.
The Pacers have to find minutes for Obi Toppin and figure out how to balance their rotation. They plan to jump back into title contention with Hali healthy. Oubre Jr. gives them a versatile 3-and-D option coming off arguably his best season as a role player. It is all about making the pieces fit.
Pacers must decide if Kelly Oubre Jr. is starter or sixth man in Indiana
This is a question more about role buy-in and team chemistry than on-court production. Several teams have sixth men that play significant minutes. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Quentin Grimes both topped 28 per game last season, primarily coming off the bench for their teams. Ayo Dosunmu, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Naz Reid all got over 26 a night as reserves. Nesmith, Nembhard, and Oubre will get significant run, but there is more to this situation than that.
Who can coach Carlisle convince to thrive in a reserve role? They will be the first option off the bench and get plenty of chances to dominate second units. There will be closing opportunities too. Carlisle likes to ride the hot hand and could frequently mix up his final group.
Nesmith is a key 3-and-D wing who makes Haliburton better. It would be tough taking him out of the starting five for Oubre. It may come down to who is making shots and playing better defensively. Oubre took a step forward in both roles last season and is in his prime. This could be a serious competition throughout training camp.
Pacers fans should have faith in Carlisle. He will figure all of this out and maximize this roster. That is what he does. Indiana doesn’t reach the NBA Finals in 2025 without him. The front office got him another talented piece, and the head coach will make the pieces fit.
The Indiana Pacers have to decide if Kelly Oubre Jr. is a starter or sixth man. He has been a starter for six of the last seven years, but the Pacers' opening group feels locked in. How do they make the pieces fit? Fans should be watching closely during training camp.
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