How limiting Kelly Oubre, Jr.’s isolation attempts may create more effective shots for teammates

Kelly Oubre Jr. has been one of the most consistent —though more inefficient — Sixers this season, but his isolation attempts per game may be something to keep an eye on as the season continues.

Joel Embiid is set to make his season debut as the Philadelphia 76ers inch closer to a healthy roster when they take on the New York Knicks at home Tuesday night.

Philadelphia will enter Tuesday’s matchup fresh off an overtime win against the Charlotte Hornets. Although Tyrese Maxey remains out due to a hamstring injury, this matchup will be a great test for this limited roster.

Tuesday’s contest against the Knicks may be the start of the Sixers going on a winning streak if they pull off this win, though a date with the undefeated Cavs looms Wednesday. The 76ers can set themselves up for success against New York and for the foreseeable future by keeping Embiid healthy, not overusing Maxey, and limiting isolation plays from certain role players.

One player who has been consistent this season with his production — though not his efficiency — is Kelly Oubre Jr. His isolation attempts per game may be something to keep an eye on as the season continues.

Oubre Jr. is averaging 15.1 points per game, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 40 percent from the floor. He has been one of the bright spots of the team this season, with the injury bug looming over the locker room.

On the flip side, his isolation attempts are impacting his shooting percentage from the floor and downtown. Not to mention, it may be impacting some of his teammates, who have gotten off to a slow start.

The Kansas product has an 11. 1 turnover frequency percentage when in isolation, which disrupts the team’s flow and gives the opposing team fast break opportunities. When in isolation, he has a 35.7 percent effective field goal percentage.

Obviously, the Sixers wing has put more shots up because of the roster’s current state. His shot attempts will change once Embiid and Maxey return. Also, Paul George will get more comfortable in the offense with time.

Last season, Oubre Jr. was more effective shooting from the field (44 percent) and slightly better from three (31.1 percent). His scoring frequency from the 2023-24 season was 44 percent, and this season it dropped to 38.9 percent. Playing off Embiid certainly helped in 2023-24.

Philadelphia’s offense has been effective when the team runs the high pick-and-roll and limits pounding the ball at the top of the key. If the left-handed forward can get to his midrange sweet spot or attack the rim for high-percentage shots, it will help this team down the line as they continue to try to get back to full health.

Again, the 6-foot-8 forward’s ISO attempts increased because of the team’s lack of depth due to injury, and last season’s roster had more playmakers and shooters. One could argue that he is only trying to be more assertive and fill in where he is needed.

On the flip side, if Oubre Jr. looks to pass more and kick the ball out to the open shooter when he draws two from driving — something he improved on last season — he could create more open shots for Eric Gordon and Caleb Martin, who have been struggling.

The team is still figuring out their chemistry, and it will come with time. As mentioned, no blame should be directed toward the 10-year vet, but limiting his isolation attempts is something to consider for the team to gel together.

Jared McCain and Guerschon Yabusele’s consistency and contributions have helped this team find much-needed depth once they return to full health. As time goes on, it will allow Oubre to relinquish some of his shot attempts.

Once again, the New Orleans native is only trying to keep his team in games, but less isolation would put other role players in a better position to step up and contribute.