Kelly Oubre Jr. is scheduled to audition. Open market this season and likely won’t re-sign with the Charlotte Hornets, according to sources. The forecourt is full at the moment. Charlotte selected Alabama forward Brandon Miller second overall in the 2023 NBA draft. Then there’s Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, Cody Martin, and others.
“With the arrival of Brandon Miller, Gordon Hayward is still here, except for something unexpected, Miles Bridges is in the mix again, Charlotte is very full at the wing position,” Roderick Boone wrote. the Charlotte Observer. And that doesn’t even take into account Cody Martin, who appeared in just seven games in 2022-23, and Bryce McGowens.
“So, there really is no room for Uber. That means unless the Hornets suddenly weaken a crowded position, he’s unlikely to return. He’ll probably have to wait through the first few waves of free agency before finding a new home.”
On a few NBA betting sites, the Charlotte Hornets hold odds of 29th to win a championship next season in 2024. Sportsbooks show better odds for the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, and Indiana Pacers.
Having Kelly Ober on the Charlotte Hornets was a fun experience pic.twitter.com/lHcWt4praO
– HornetsNation (HornetsNationCP) June 29, 2023
Oubre has spent the past two seasons with the Hornets. The eight-year-old veteran made 40 appearances in 48 appearances in the 2022-23 season. He averaged 20.3 points per game, along with 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 32.3 minutes per contest. In addition, Oubre shot 43.1% from the field and 31.9% from outside the arc.
In Charlotte’s 132-122 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 18, the Kansas product scored a season-high 34 points in 39 minutes as a starter. He finished 12-of-21 (57.1%) shooting from the floor and 5-of-9 (55.6%) from 3-point range while posting three boards and three steals.
NBA free agency: Kelly Ober Jr. may be the odd man out this season, uncertain re-signing with Charlotte Hornets
Furthermore, he suffered a left hand injury in the 121-113 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 29. In early January, Uber underwent ligament surgery in his left hand and was ruled out indefinitely. The striker continued to miss 24 matches.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford plans to give Bryce McGowens more playing time next season as well. “There are a lot of positives ahead, and he’s at the top of that list for me,” Clifford said in December.
“He’s got size, he’s got instincts, he’s got a sense of the game. But the most important thing is he gets out there like he belongs. He’s ready, he’s smart. … He has to get bigger, stronger and more experienced, but he has a chance to be a really good player.”
I haven’t heard UFA Kelly Oubre mentioned often. Coming off one of the most under-the-radar PPG 20+ seasons of all time, it seems underrated. He is a tall, athletic winger who can get the buckets, rebound and defend. You’d think there would be a fairly strong market. Still only 27.
– Brett Usher (UsherNBA) June 30, 2023
Kelly Ober also believes in McGowens. His poise and demeanor. does not shake. No moment seemed too big for him. He is always ready. He gets out there and plays his game, it’s smooth,” he said. “He’s ready for the NBA, and I feel like he’s going to be a star in this league.”
In August 2021, Oubre signed a two-year, $24.6 million contract with the Hornets. The 27-year-old earned $12.6 million last season.