Tap here to get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NBA draft, which takes place on June 25 in Brooklyn.
With the top wing players in the draft existing on a clear ceiling-versus-upside scale, it's a safe bet that the team who jumps on Kelly Oubre is just fine taking a slight gamble to swing for the fences.
That's not to say Oubre isn't going to be a contributor out of the gate, because he might be. But the lefty underwhelmed relative to expectations as a freshman at Kansas, and his primary NBA tools remain inconsistent. There's plenty of room for optimism, Oubre may just need the benefit of a strong player development system to reach his appreciable potential.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF | 17 | 18 | 6' 6.75" | 203 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7' 2.25" | 8' 6.5" | 37.0 | 9.0 | 5.7% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | SPG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 9.3 | 5.0 | 1.1 | 44.4% | 35.8% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: A 35.8-percent mark from outside on 95 attempts as a freshman isn't mind-blowing, and neither is his 71.8-percent free-throw rate, but his stroke looks genuine and should steady out. That, coupled with his substantial frame for a wing and his terrific athleticism, give him the vaunted "3-and-D" descriptor if he pans out. He's also a quality finisher when he gets to the rim, but his handle doesn't quite keep up with his ability to get there yet.
Weaknesses: Having a nice outside shot is great, but Oubre still needs to refine his shot selection, especially when it's not falling. That may not be a concern in a more limited role as a rookie, and teams will probably ask him to focus on ironing out the inconsistencies in his defense first. As mentioned, Oubre has a nose for finishing but his handle can be found wanting, meaning he's a few refinements away from being a pump-and-drive threat on closeouts.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
Oubre seems to be on the lower end of the first tier of wings, behind names like Justise Winslow and Mario Hezonja but still firmly in the mix at the back end of the lottery. With several teams in the 12-17 range in a position where they can wait on a player to develop over the next few years, that seems to be his draft floor. Strong workouts could even push him into the top-10 given the premium placed on shooting around the league.
