Kelly Oubre Jr. Bio
Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. is an American professional basketball player born on December 9, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He currently plays as a shooting guard and small forward for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his athleticism and scoring ability, Oubre has built a reputation as a versatile wing who can impact games on both ends of the floor.
Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 203 pounds, Oubre entered the NBA in 2015 after one season at the University of Kansas. He has since suited up for the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Charlotte Hornets before landing in Philadelphia, where he continues to be a key contributor to a contending roster.
Early Life and Background
Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the second child of Kelly Oubre Sr. and Tonya Coleman, formerly Oubre. He and his family lived in the Magnolia public housing project from his birth until the early part of his childhood, later settling in the Eastover section of New Orleans. He attended Edward Hynes Elementary School, where he first developed his love for basketball while playing for three Milne Boys Home youth teams in the city.
After Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, the Oubre family relocated to Richmond, Texas. Oubre attended George Bush High School in Fort Bend, Texas, where his game began to attract national attention as a high-level prospect. Seeking a stronger competitive platform for his senior year, he transferred to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, finishing his high school career on one of the most prestigious national stages in prep basketball.
Path to Basketball
During his time at Findlay Prep, Oubre earned recognition as a McDonald’s All-American and a first-team Parade All-American in 2014, cementing his status as one of the top high school players in the country. In October 2013, he committed to playing for the Kansas Jayhawks in 2014–15, choosing one of college basketball’s most storied programs to launch his career.
As a freshman at Kansas in 2014–15, Oubre was twice named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week and earned All-Newcomer Team honors, along with All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition. In 36 games, including 27 starts for the Jayhawks, he averaged 9.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 21.0 minutes per game, showcasing the two-way potential that made him a lottery prospect.
Kelly Oubre Jr. Career
Early Career: Washington Wizards (2015–2018)
Oubre was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 15th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, and his draft rights were immediately traded to the Washington Wizards. On December 16, 2015, he scored a career-high 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, offering a glimpse of his offensive upside during his rookie year. Although his minutes were limited, Oubre showed early signs of becoming an effective “3 and D” wing.
In his second and third seasons with the Wizards, Oubre continued to expand his role. On November 28, 2016, he recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in an overtime win over the Sacramento Kings, and later that season he set a career high with 19 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. In 2017–18, he scored over 20 points five times, including a 26-point effort against the Detroit Pistons, before being dealt to Phoenix in December 2018.
Phoenix Suns (2018–2020)
On December 17, 2018, Oubre was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he quickly became a fan favorite. He made his Suns debut two days later, scoring 13 points in a win over the Boston Celtics, and on January 8, 2019, he matched his then career high with 26 points in a victory over the Sacramento Kings. His scoring continued to climb, highlighted by a then career-high 32 points against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 16, 2019, before a left thumb injury ended his season.
Following surgery and a recovery, Oubre signed a two-year, $30 million contract extension with the Suns in July 2019. He set multiple career highs that season, including 15 rebounds against New Orleans and a 39-point performance against the Houston Rockets on February 7, 2020. In February 2020, however, Oubre was ruled out with a torn right meniscus and underwent arthroscopic surgery on March 3, 2020, ultimately closing his Suns chapter in a trade to Oklahoma City.
Golden State Warriors (2020–2021)
On November 22, 2020, Oubre was traded to the Golden State Warriors, where he joined a franchise retooling around star guard Stephen Curry. He made his Warriors debut on December 22, 2020, putting up six points and seven rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets. As he adjusted to a new system, Oubre’s role grew steadily throughout the season.
On February 4, 2021, Oubre delivered a signature performance, scoring a career-high 40 points in a 147–116 win over the Dallas Mavericks. That scoring outburst was the highlight of his lone season in Golden State, before he moved on to the Charlotte Hornets in free agency.
Charlotte Hornets (2021–2023)
Oubre signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets on August 7, 2021, and made his debut on October 20 with 14 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers. He produced several scoring outbursts for Charlotte, including a season-high 39 points and a career-high 10 three-pointers in a 158–126 win over the Indiana Pacers on January 26, 2022.
In his second year with the Hornets, Oubre set another season high with 34 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 18, 2022. A torn ligament in his left hand, suffered in late December 2022, required surgery and forced him out indefinitely, but he returned to action on February 24, 2023, finishing his Hornets stint before signing with Philadelphia.
Philadelphia 76ers (2023–Present)
On September 26, 2023, Oubre signed a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, quickly emerging as a key scorer on the wing. On November 11, 2023, he was struck by a car while walking near his Center City Philadelphia residence, suffering a fractured rib and injuries to his hip and right leg. At the time of the incident, Oubre was averaging 16.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting in 29 minutes per game, and teammate Tyrese Maxey dedicated a 50-point performance to him the following day.
Oubre returned to the court on December 6, 2023, after missing 11 games, and on July 15, 2024, he was re-signed by the Sixers. On December 30, 2024, he recorded 15 points, five rebounds, and a career-high eight steals in a 125–103 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, reinforcing his two-way value for Philadelphia.
Notable Events and Milestones
Oubre’s career has featured several signature milestones, including a career-high 40-point game with the Golden State Warriors on February 4, 2021, and a 39-point performance with the Charlotte Hornets on January 26, 2022. He also created the popular “Valley Boyz” merchandise brand during his time with the Phoenix Suns, helping design the team’s “City Edition” jerseys for both the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons.
Kelly Oubre Jr. Career Wins
Across his NBA career, Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. has produced double-digit scoring seasons with multiple franchises and has been a consistent contributor in wins and losses. He has helped teams reach the postseason, including a second-round playoff appearance with the Washington Wizards, and has regularly delivered 20-plus point performances as a starter or key reserve.
NBA Career Highlights
Oubre has notched several career highs that define his scoring profile, including a 40-point game against the Dallas Mavericks in 2021, 39-point efforts against the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers, and a 32-point game against the New Orleans Pelicans. He has also tallied multiple double-doubles and recorded a career-high 15 rebounds during his time with the Phoenix Suns.
College and Pre-NBA Performances
Before entering the NBA, Oubre earned Big 12 All-Newcomer Team honors at Kansas in 2014–15 and was recognized as both a McDonald’s All-American and a first-team Parade All-American in 2014 at Findlay Prep. These accomplishments helped establish him as the 15th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
Kelly Oubre Jr. Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. was raised by his father, Kelly Oubre Sr., and his mother, Tonya Coleman, formerly Oubre. Growing up in New Orleans and later Richmond, Texas, he was shaped by a family that supported his athletic development from an early age, eventually attending George Bush High School and Findlay Prep on his path to the NBA.
Personal Life
Outside of basketball, Oubre has been active in community initiatives, including the creation of the “Valley Boyz” merchandise brand, with early proceeds going toward hurricane relief efforts in the Bahamas through UNICEF alongside teammate Deandre Ayton. He currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 season, Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. is positioned as a veteran scoring wing for the Philadelphia 76ers after being re-signed on July 15, 2024. His strong finish to the 2024 calendar year, including a career-high eight steals against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 30, 2024, suggests his two-way game remains a major asset for head coach Nick Nurse’s rotation.
With a contract listed at $2.9 million for the 2024–25 season and a clear role alongside stars such as Tyrese Maxey, Oubre is expected to remain a steady perimeter scorer and perimeter defender. His track record of bouncing back from injuries, including his recovery from the November 2023 hit-and-run incident, gives Philadelphia a reliable veteran presence as it pursues postseason success.