Kelly Oubre Trusts ‘Genius’ Nick Nurse to Find 76ers’ Optimal Rotation

Kelly Oubre trusts Nick Nurse's plan.

Since returning to the Philadelphia 76ers following his recovery from a fractured rib, Kelly Oubre has seen his role change for the third time this season.

When the Sixers kicked off the 2023-2024 NBA season, Oubre was a reserve for the team’s first three games. Despite coming off the bench, he averaged nearly 30 minutes per night.

Then, the Sixers made a roster shake-up. In the blockbuster deal that sent James Harden packing to join the Los Angeles Clippers, the Sixers also slipped in the starting forward, PJ Tucker. With that move freeing up a role in the starting five, Kelly Oubre landed a promotion.

For the next five games, Oubre started for the Sixers, keeping his minutes near 30 per night. While Sixers head coach Nick Nurse hinted the starting five could change even when everybody was healthy, he had no choice but to tweak the lineup when Oubre suffered his setback.

Several players were in and out of the starting five throughout Oubre’s month-long absence. Over time, it became clear that when the Sixers were healthy, Nic Batum would get the call to join the starting five. When Oubre re-entered the lineup on Wednesday against the Washington Wizards, Batum remained in his usual starting role. Meanwhile, Oubre checked in for 19 minutes off the bench.

Prior to the Sixers’ Friday night matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Nick Nurse noted that the team’s rotation is still a work in progress. While some players are on the bubble, Oubre was mentioned as a player who is likely locked in with a role on a nightly basis. 

In or out, the consistent changes have an effect on the team as a whole. For Oubre, his minutes changed. Prior to his setback, he spent nearly 30 minutes on the floor every night. Since his return, he’s averaged 21 minutes on the floor.

“I try to be water,” Oubre said following Friday’s win over the Atlanta Hawks. “I’m 27, turning 28 tomorrow, man I have a lot in my tank, though. I really want to hoop. I really want to help this team do well. I want to be up there with the guys and compete.”

While Oubre wants to play as much as possible, he isn’t pushing back on his slight change in playing time. Putting his trust in Nick Nurse, the veteran wing is simply controlling what he can control.

“Coach is a genius,” Oubre claimed. “He knows how to coach the game. He knows how to put people in the right places, so I trust him, and I just want to win. I’m here to win.”

From the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, Oubre stressed that he wants to stand out on the Sixers. Embracing the challenge of being a star in his role, Oubre has found success so far. While he wants to play as much as possible, like any competitor in the big leagues, Oubre trusts his coaching staff and remains optimistic about his team’s path to success.