Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. Bio
Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a shooting guard and small forward for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association. Born on December 9, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Oubre developed his game in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina before establishing himself as a dynamic scoring threat across multiple NBA franchises. He played one season of college basketball at the University of Kansas before the Atlanta Hawks selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Oubre has since built a reputation as an athletic wing player known for his defensive versatility and three-point shooting, contributing meaningful minutes for the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Oubre was born in New Orleans to Kelly Oubre Sr. and Tonya Coleman. He spent his early childhood living in the Magnolia public housing project before his family relocated to the Eastover section of New Orleans. Oubre attended Edward Hynes Elementary School and played for three local recreation basketball teams during his youth. Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Oubre and his family moved to Richmond, Texas, where he would continue developing as a basketball player.
In Texas, Oubre attended George Bush High School in Fort Bend County. His strong high school performance attracted attention from college programs across the country, leading him to transfer to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, for his senior season. This move positioned him among the nation’s top high school prospects. In October 2013, Oubre made his college commitment, announcing he would play for the Kansas Jayhawks beginning in the 2014-15 season.
Path to Professional Basketball
At Kansas, Oubre made an immediate impact during his freshman season. He appeared in 36 games with 27 starts, averaging 9.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 21 minutes per game. His performance earned him recognition as the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week twice, and he subsequently earned Big 12 All-Newcomer Team honors along with All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition. These accolades demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest collegiate level and solidified his standing as a legitimate NBA prospect.
On April 1, 2015, Oubre declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining three years of college eligibility. His decision came after just one season with the Jayhawks, as NBA scouts recognized his potential as an athletic wing player with defensive capabilities and three-point shooting range. The gamble paid off when professional teams selected him in the 2015 Draft.
Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. Career
Washington Wizards (2015–2018)
The Atlanta Hawks selected Oubre with the 15th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. His draft rights were immediately traded to the Washington Wizards, where he would begin his professional development. During his rookie season, Oubre showed signs of becoming an effective “3-and-D” player, combining perimeter shooting with defensive intensity. On December 16, 2015, he recorded a career-high 18 points during a game against the San Antonio Spurs.
In his second season, Oubre’s role expanded significantly. On November 28, 2016, he recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in an overtime win against the Sacramento Kings. He continued to develop his offensive repertoire throughout the season, eventually setting a career high of 26 points on January 19, 2018, during a win over the Detroit Pistons. Oubre’s growth as a scoring threat became increasingly evident as his playing time increased.
Phoenix Suns Breakthrough (2018–2020)
On December 17, 2018, the Wizards traded Oubre to the Phoenix Suns as part of a deal for Trevor Ariza. He made his Suns debut two days later, scoring 13 points against the Boston Celtics. This move marked the beginning of his most productive statistical period. On March 16, 2019, Oubre scored a career-high 32 points in an overtime win against his hometown New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 18 points per game that season while developing a strong connection with the Phoenix community.
During his tenure in Phoenix, Oubre created the “Valley Boyz” merchandise brand to celebrate the local community and team. The brand gained popularity among fans and represented his commitment to engaging with the city beyond basketball. On July 16, 2019, Oubre signed a two-year, $30 million contract extension with the Suns. He continued his strong play into the 2019-20 season, scoring a career-high 39 points against the Houston Rockets on February 7, 2020. However, he suffered a right meniscus tear in late February and underwent successful surgery in early March, ending his season prematurely.
Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets (2020–2023)
Following the Suns, Oubre was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in November 2020, then immediately to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for draft picks. On December 22, 2020, he made his Warriors debut against the Brooklyn Nets. On February 4, 2021, Oubre scored a career-high 40 points in a win over the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing his ability to be a primary scoring option when called upon.
On August 7, 2021, Oubre signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets. He made his debut on October 20, scoring 14 points against the Indiana Pacers. On January 26, 2022, he recorded a season-high 39 points while also setting a career high with 10 three-pointers made in a single game. The following season brought challenges, including a left hand injury in December 2022 that required surgery in January 2023. He returned to action on February 24, 2023, after missing significant time.
Philadelphia 76ers Era (2023–Present)
On September 26, 2023, Oubre signed a one-year, $2.9 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. His season took a dramatic turn on November 11, 2023, when he was struck by a car while walking near his Center City residence. He suffered a fractured rib along with injuries to his hip and right leg, requiring hospitalization before being released. Remarkably, he returned to play on December 6, 2023, after missing 11 games. His teammate Tyrese Maxey dedicated his 50-point performance the day after the incident to Oubre.
On July 15, 2024, Oubre signed a two-year, $16.3 million extension with the 76ers, demonstrating the team’s confidence in his contributions. On December 30, 2024, he recorded a career-high eight steals alongside 15 points and five rebounds in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. His resilience and continued production have made him a valued member of the Philadelphia roster.
Playing Style and Strengths
Oubre’s game centers around his athleticism, length, and ability to guard multiple positions on the perimeter. His 6-foot-8 frame allows him to match up against both guards and forwards, making him a valuable asset in modern NBA schemes that prioritize defensive flexibility. Offensively, he excels as a catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc while also possessing the ball-handling ability to create his own scoring opportunities. His energy and motor consistently show up in his defensive efforts and rebounding contributions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Oubre has achieved several notable milestones. His career-high 40-point performance with the Warriors stands as a testament to his offensive capabilities when given expanded opportunities. The creation of the “Valley Boyz” brand in Phoenix represented his entrepreneurial spirit and connection to the communities where he has played. His recovery from the November 2023 car accident and rapid return to the court demonstrated his mental toughness and dedication to the sport.
Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. Career Wins
Oubre has accumulated consistent scoring averages across each of his NBA teams, establishing himself as a reliable secondary scoring option throughout his career. His ability to contribute double-digit scoring while providing defensive versatility has made him a sought-after role player in the league.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Oubre has demonstrated consistent scoring ability with each franchise. With the Washington Wizards, he averaged 6.3 points across three seasons while developing his NBA skills. His time with the Phoenix Suns proved most statistically productive, where he averaged 18.5 points per game over two seasons. With the Golden State Warriors, he appeared in 55 games averaging 15.4 points per game. His Charlotte Hornets tenure saw him average 17.0 points per game over two seasons. Currently with the Philadelphia 76ers, he has continued his steady production as a rotation player.
Other Achievements
Before his professional career, Oubre established himself as one of the nation’s top high school prospects. He was named the McDonald’s All-American in 2014, recognizing him as one of the top players in his graduating class. He also earned First-team Parade All-American honors that same year, further cementing his status as a blue-chip recruit. At the college level, his Big 12 All-Newcomer Team selection in 2015 demonstrated his ability to make an immediate impact at a major program.
Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. Family
Family Background
Oubre was born to Kelly Oubre Sr. and Tonya Coleman in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father has been a constant presence throughout his basketball journey, supporting his development from youth basketball in New Orleans through his professional career. The family endured significant hardship during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which prompted their relocation to Texas and ultimately shaped Oubre’s path to basketball stardom.
Personal Life
Oubre married Shylynn Oubre (née Gibson) in 2022. Together they have two children: a daughter born in 2021 and a son born in 2024. The family resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where Oubre continues his NBA career with the 76ers. Beyond basketball, Oubre has demonstrated entrepreneurial interests through his merchandise ventures and team apparel collaborations. His “Valley Boyz” brand originated during his Phoenix tenure and represented his commitment to community engagement and local business development.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2024-2025 season, Oubre appears positioned as a key rotation player for the Philadelphia 76ers. His two-year contract extension signed in July 2024 reflects the organization’s confidence in his contributions to the team’s success. The 76ers have built their roster around All-Star center Joel Embiid, and players like Oubre provide valuable scoring and defensive support around their franchise cornerstone. His career-high eight-steal performance in December 2024 demonstrated his continued impact on the defensive end while maintaining his offensive contributions.