Pacers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. Causing Excitement For 2026-27

After Kelly Oubre Jr. joined the Indiana Pacers this offseason, he was expected to have an impact. As the season nears, excitement has grown around his role on the team. The versatile forward and guard is replacing Bennedict Mathurin 's role on the team and has the potential to be an extremely important player in the Pacers' rotation this season.

Oubre is expected to be an essential piece to the Pacers' game plans and will come off the bench for most games. The longtime veteran will bring experience, versatility, and athleticism to the team. Recently, Oubre has shared some encouraging things about the Pacers that have created more excitement about the team in general. Oubre has also stood out early on with the Pacers, building extra anticipation and hope over his performance this season.

During the Pacers' FanJam, their annual team scrimmage to tip off the NBA season, Oubre dropped 17 points in ten minutes, shooting 7/10 during his time on the court. While the exhibition match is not very serious and is a fun event for fans, Oubre made an impact early on with his new team, which is an encouraging sign.

Kelly Oubre Jr. Drawing Encouraging Reports Early In Training Camp

Head Coach Rick Carlisle has already been impressed by Oubre and has spoken highly about what he is seeing out of him. When speaking to the media about training camp, Carlisle said, " [Kelly Oubre Jr.] had a large impact on practice today on both ends. He shot the ball really well. Defensively, he's sticky, he's tough, he's difficult to screen, and he's an edgy competitor. So it's exactly what we need. " Oubre is the right fit for the Pacers , and Carlisle's compliments of him show he fits well in the Pacers' system.

Indiana's roster is full of fast, physical, and athletic players who are versatile on both sides of the ball. Oubre shouldn't have any trouble adjusting to the Pacers' play style, as he will be surrounded by competitive teammates like him.

During the Pacers 2026-27 media day , Oubre got a chance to talk to reporters. Oubre said that the major draw that eventually brought him to ink a deal with the Pacers was the team culture. Oubre said he did not need to hear a pitch about the team or be told about the culture; he could already see how the team operated, its strong leadership, and the culture that has been sustained in Indiana. Oubre saying this compliments the culture that has been built within the organization and shows how the team leaders have built relationships within the team to make the Pacers organization a team players want to be a part of.

While Indiana is still early in training camp, Oubre has already drawn very encouraging reports from the media, coaches, and players. By making an impact early, excitement around Oubre's role on the team continues to grow. Oubre will be a great addition on and off the court for the Pacers and can make a huge impact on the team this season.

Oubre's acknowledgement of the Pacers' culture speaks volumes about how the team operates as well, which gives fans more hope for the upcoming season. The NBA is sleeping on the Pacers , and with the addition of players like Oubre combined with the healthy culture of the team, Indiana could come and surprise anyone who has overlooked them. As the season draws closer, the Pacers are becoming an exciting team to watch, and their attempt to return to the Finals after a disappointing season without Tyrese Haliburton will be a fun storyline to pay attention to.

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