Pacers intrigued by Kelly Oubre's versatility: 'He can guard virtually any position'
· Yahoo Sports
INDIANAPOLIS – Kelly Oubre Jr. was the most noteworthy addition to the Pacers this offseason, as the team signed him to a two-year deal worth nearly $17 million.
Oubre projects to play a key sixth man role for the Pacers that was left void when they traded Bennedict Mathurin – who recently signed with the New Orleans Pelicans – to the Los Angeles Clippers in a package for center Ivica Zubac. In his first time speaking to Indianapolis media since signing in July, Oubre said the Pacers’ culture is what lured him to Indiana.
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“I love that the character never really changes,” Oubre said, “and that just goes to show that this culture is heading towards something very positive, and I’m just happy to be a part of that.”
Oubre spent the last three seasons playing with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 14.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in 2025-26. In Philadelphia, the style of play was often dictated by 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid, who typically slows the game down to take advantage of his 7-foot, 270-pound frame.
With the Pacers, Oubre is excited to play at the team’s fast pace. Led by point guard Tyrese Haliburton – who assured everyone Monday that he has “no restrictions” while returning from his torn Achilles – the Pacers aim to outrun teams on a nightly basis.
“Philly was amazing. I loved my time there. But obviously, you know, there's no shade, but it was a slower pace,” Oubre told HoopsHype. “So, you know, I'm a wing. I like to run. I like to play in transition, and Hali is like the best at that.”
Oubre feels confident in the Pacers’ culture despite the franchise-worst 19-63 season they had in 2025-26. As someone who watched this team from afar, he didn’t need to be convinced that the Pacers had a solid environment.
“Nobody had to say anything to me about that (culture),” he said. “You see it. You see it in the year that they make it to the Finals, you see it in the year that – obviously – things didn’t go their way at all. … So I think that it’s a testament to the work that they’ve put in over these years and every day. So I’m very proud to be a part of that, and I’m looking forward to just instilling that into my DNA as well.”
The Pacers expect Oubre to come in and contribute on both ends of the court. Oubre is 6-8 with a 7-2 wingspan, which allows him to defend multiple positions on the floor.
Coach Rick Carlisle called Oubre “a versatile wing who plays with a real edge competitively.” Through Oubre’s 11-year NBA career, he has gained experience playing shooting guard, small forward and power forward while playing for five (going on six) different teams.
“I know he can guard virtually any position because he has length, and he’s gotten a lot stronger over his (career),” Carlisle said. “We thought he was a guy that made perfect sense for us if we could somehow acquire him, and we were fortunate to do so.”
Oubre understands that his role could fluctuate this season, which is nothing new for him. The 30-year-old has gone back and forth between starting and coming off the bench in his career, as he has nearly a perfect split between the two (352 games off the bench and 353 as a starter). He's been slightly more productive on a per-minute basis as a starter -- 17.9 points, 6.7 rebounds per 36 minutes vs. 16.9 and 6.0.
But Oubre joins the Pacers with an understanding that what the team requires of him could change depending on injuries and where he fits among other players.
“I’ve been able to kind of be a Swiss Army Knife throughout the last probably five, six years, and adapt to whatever role I was given on any given day,” Oubre said. “So I don’t want to put a label on (my role). I don’t like being in a box, but I do love being on this team where the possibilities are endless.”
When the Pacers made deep playoff runs in 2024 and 2025, it was partly because of the team’s bench lineups. Mathurin was crucial in the 2025 run with five games scoring 20 points or more, including two in the NBA Finals.
Now, the Pacers add Oubre to that bench unit in hopes that it can remain one of the best in the league. With Carlisle typically opting to play at least 10 guys – even in the playoffs – the Pacers need to have players like Oubre who they trust off the bench.
“He’s already fit in seamlessly,” backup point guard T.J. McConnell said. “His ability to guard and get out and run and make open shots and play fast – I feel like that’s what the second unit does.
“We get out, play fast, we’re relentless on defense. He’s a guy that can switch and guard multiple positions, so I feel like he’s gonna be a great addition.”
If Oubre does end up being a seamless fit, he could help the Pacers return to the playoffs and be a threat to win a championship. The Pacers are banking on Oubre making an immediate impact and being flexible throughout the season.
Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers intrigued by Kelly Oubre's versatility: 'He can guard virtually any position'
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