Kelly Oubre on Butler, Leonard, Harden comparisons: 'I can be as good as or better than those guys'
Kansas University has a track record for cultivating premier, NBA-caliber talent. Kelly Oubre is hoping to be added to the long list of players who have leveraged their Jayhawks experience into success in the pros.
Oubre spoke about his goals and pre-draft expectations on Sunday, following his workout with the Utah Jazz. Regarding his thoughts on comparisons to star perimeter players such as Jimmy Butler, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard, Oubre showed no shortage of confidence.
Kelly Oubre said he’s studied Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. "I feel like I can be as good as or better than those guys."
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) June 14, 2015
You can't blame Oubre for conveying such self-assurance, since pre-draft workouts and interviews provide young NBA-hopefuls the platform to not only showcase their physical tools on the court but also to offer more insight into their respective psyches.
In spite of his relatively mediocre college stats (9.3 points, five rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 21 minutes per game), Oubre believes that he is capable of becoming a well-rounded player in the pro ranks, "I want to show that I'm a complete player - that defense is first, that my offensive game has come a long way, and that, you know, I seriously can be one of the best in this league one day."
The 6-foot-7 small forward is projected to be selected somewhere in the teens according to various prominent mock drafts. Depending on teams' needs, and whether he is considered worthy of a high pick, Oubre may find himself on the cusp of the lottery on June 25.
Tap here for our 2015 NBA Draft Scouting Report on Oubre.