Three Charlotte Hornets with the most to prove this season
Kelly Oubre Jr.
The lone veteran on this list, Kelly Oubre Jr. now must endear himself to a new coach whose coaching track record contrasts with Oubre’s career track record.
Last season was a story of inconsistency from Oubre, as a torrid start to the season eventually saw him fizzle out down the stretch.
The difference in productivity is stark.
Kelly Oubre's first 39 games (half his games played +1):
— Mavs/Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) September 14, 2022
16.6 PPG 4 RPG 1.2 APG 2 SPG on 46/38/67
Kelly Oubre's last 37 games of the year:
13.3 PPG 4 RPG 1 APG on 41.5/30/67
Hornets fans: was 1 of those 2 sides a fluke? Feels like thats a make or break stat for CHA this year
Oubre has never been known as a defender, something that will be exposed if not corrected with Steve Clifford’s emphasis on defense. He has never averaged more than 1.6 assists in a season, and despite his late season woes, 2021-22 saw him post the second-best three-point shooting percentage of his career. When his shot is falling, Oubre can light up the scoreboard, but when his shooting wanes, there is not much positive substance to his game.
With just one year remaining on his contract, Oubre may not be in the long-term plans for the Hornets. If he underperforms in the first half of the season, he may be a candidate to be moved at the trade deadline. However, with his impending free agency, Oubre not only needs to prove himself worthy of a substantial role in Charlotte’s rotation this year; he also needs to build his market for his impending free agency next summer.