The Philadelphia 76ers brought in a plethora of new talent this offseason, but some of the returners deserve recognition.
Sixers training camp wrapped on Oct. 5, leaving coach Nick Nurse to analyze many players on the roster. When naming standouts, returning forward Kelly Oubre Jr. was one of many names that came to mind.
"Even Kelly, Kelly almost feels like a new guy," Nurse said. "You know, he's in such a different place in his career right now, it feels like. He was very good."
The other players highlighted by Nurse were Andre Drummond, Caleb Martin, Paul George, Jared McCain, Eric Gordon, and Kyle Lowry. Oubre and Lowry are the only two listed that were on Philadelphia's roster last season.
The 28-year-old hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, but his rejuvenating campaign in Philadelphia made the decision rather easy. He upgraded to a two-year, $16.3 million extension with a player option for the second season after playing on a minimum in 2024. Oubre averaged 15.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on 44.1% shooting in 68 appearances with the Sixers.
Most are anticipating Oubre to start in the backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey while George, Martin, and Joel Embiid finish out the starting lineup. At 6-foot-7, he can balance out the lack of size Martin (6-foot-5) provides at power forward. The logic behind the taller Oubre starting in a guard spot comes from his style of play compared to Martin's.
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