Perhaps no player won the hearts of Phoenix Suns fans more this season than Kelly Oubre. Even after a trade to the worst team in the Western Conference that fan support shows exactly why Oubre should be pleased with his season.
Kelly Oubre Jr’s life changed dramatically in mid-December when he was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns, and it will probably end up being for the better. Oubre got out of that toxic environment into the surprisingly less toxic environment in Phoenix and to a team where he was able to have more freedom.
After the trade Oubre’s stats improved in every way possible. His scoring jumped up 4 points per game, with his efficiency climbing up to 45% from 43%. Along with doubling his, albeit below average, assist numbers up to 1.6 a game. All while playing solid defense and collecting more steals and blocks in each game than before. All while only playing an additional 3 minutes a game.
Oubre also should be in a much better position financially after showing out for Phoenix rather than still being in Washington where money is much tighter and his opportunity lesser. At the end of the day, more money in the off-season contract is always a success in the league.
He was one of the more successful players off the court this season as well. He received constant praise from fellow Suns about how much they love having him as a teammate and how hard he plays. Kelly also appears to be close to releasing new merchandise labeled Valley Boyz as he hinted about trademarking the term on his Twitter.
For Oubre, the move to a young team without veteran stars like Washington has been the best thing for his career. He has a good chance to be featured in a starring role here in Phoenix should he return, which looks very likely, rather than be a cog in the system elsewhere.
Any time you can set career highs and game highs in nearly every individual category, as well as create your own merchandise on the side, it makes for a great season. Even more impressive considering “Tsunami Papi” has only been in Phoenix for 5 months. Hopefully he is able to return to the valley long-term this summer and continue to build on this successful season.