The Indiana Pacers got the steal of the offseason when they agreed to sign Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year, $17 million contract. The veteran forward has quietly improved his jumper and become a steady 3-and-D wing. Pacers fans know head coach Rick Carlisle maximizes his roster, and they just got another talented piece to help Tyrese Haliburton try to win a championship in Indy. Stealing him from a direct competitor in the Philadelphia 76ers was the icing on the cake of arguably the best free agent signing so far.
Oubre Jr. averaged 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in 31.5 minutes per game last season for the Sixers. He shot 46.7 percent from the field and 36.0 percent on his threes. The 6’8 forward is capable of defending multiple positions, spacing the floor, and making a positive impact in the playoffs. He is exactly what the Pacers need at a bargain price.
Oubre got $8.5 million per year, which is a below the market value for a starting-caliber 3-and-D wing. Dean Wade, Kevin Huerter, and Keon Ellis all signed for more annually and are worse options. The Pacers offered a chance to contend, and Oubre jumped at joining a loaded Indiana roster.
Pacers stole Kelly Oubre Jr. from the 76ers
The Pacers went $6.5 million above the luxury tax to sign Oubre, which should instantly tell fans two things. This signing was a steal, and more moves are coming to dodge that spending limit. Indiana hasn’t paid the tax since 2006, and fans know the franchise will get creative to dodge it. TJ McConnell and Jarace Walker are two names who could quickly appear in trade rumors. Drafting Braden Smith gives Indy even more reason to finally move McConnell.
Oubre figures to battle Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard for a starting spot on the wing. Two of those players will start, with the other effectively serving as the sixth man. Tyrese Haliburton will be running the show and should get Oubre more open looks than ever before. Fans know Oubre will get buckets, sink jumpers, and help Indy's defense.
The 6’8 forward has to prove that last season’s shooting is his new norm. Oubre made 36.0 percent from 3-point range after being below league average for the first ten years of his NBA career. 30-year-old has bought into being a role player and helping his team win. He knows that means sinking open looks and locking in on defense. Expect Oubre to do just that on the Pacers.
No matter his role, the newest Pacer should play around 30 minutes per game. Having a more versatile forward will allow coach Carlisle to play small ball looks and lean into size when necessary. Oubre Jr. could be the two in some lineups and the four in others.
The Indiana Pacers got the steal of the offseason by agreeing to sign Kelly Oubre Jr. for just $8.5 million per year. 3-and-D wings are always a hot commodity, but the 6’8 forward’s questionable shooting and weaker advanced metrics allowed him to fall through the cracks. There are no complaints coming out of Indy. They got a talented role player with upside on a bargain contract. This signing was just too good to pass up.
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