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Kelly Oubre Jr.’s offensive potential should make him untradeable for Warriors

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors stands at the line to shoot a foul shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 20, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors stands at the line to shoot a foul shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 20, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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With his first-ever 40-point game against the Mavericks, it’s clear that Kelly Oubre Jr.’s sky-high offensive potential should keep him on the Warriors.

Shooting guard Kelly Oubre Jr. was brought in following the news that Klay Thompson would be out all season with a torn Achilles. Well, the Warriors had struggled to make it work, so far as Oubre’s poor shooting has caused them several hard-fought, close games.

Against the Mavericks, it was the opposite.

Oubre Jr. exploded for a career-high 40 points. He did so why lighting it up from downtown, hitting seven triples. He was 14-for-21 from the field in a game in which the Warriors were extremely short-handed. He also hit seven triples.

All three players that were used as centers along with Eric Paschall were sidelined, and the Warriors were given little chance to beat a team with two players standing over 7-foot-2 and a future MVP candidate.

They didn’t just beat Dallas, but on the back of Oubre Jr., they blew them out of their own building. The Warriors scored a season-high 147 points. Oddly, they scored between 36 and 38 in all four quarters.

Oubre was the reason why the Warriors played so well as Curry didn’t get over 30. Now, Oubre won’t hit that mark each game, but he did show that he has the potential to both shoot efficiently and productivity.

That’s something the Warriors couldn’t get with Lonzo Ball, a potential trade target. Oubre Jr. isn’t light years better than Ball and some may think the Pelicans point guard even is a better fit for Golden State.

What we saw against the Mavericks from Oubre Jr. is exactly why he must be kept, and it’s something we’ve been waiting all season for. His explosive given his ability to shoot was inevitable.

It’ll be nice to see Oubre Jr. consistently shoot well, and the real key to his impact will continue to do be his energy. But, if Oubre Jr. can hit that offensive ceiling just three times or so in a postseason game, the Warriors could very well in that series.

He’s a difference-maker for Golden State, and we saw it in Dallas as they went into play a struggling Mavs team that was favored. Without any bigs, Oubre Jr. showed his athleticism and dominance. His impact is that big when he’s on.

Oubre Jr. is making around $14.4 million, and the team used their $17.2 million trade exception to bring him in. They paid almost four times that in luxury tax penalties, and this is what they paid for. He must continue to do it consistently, and he’ll be left out of trade rumors.

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The potential is there, and it’ll be on Oubre Jr. to fully unlock it.

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