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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Most players would probably compromise their position if they get a chance to play alongside the Splash Brothers. Most, but certainly not Kelly Oubre Jr. The Warriors are bound to become a championship-contending team in 2021-22 but the youngster might jump off the wagon.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

Tsunami Papi has made his stand clear that he would either be a centerpiece or not be anything at all. Although there hasn’t been any comment from his teammates, the star’s disagreement with the franchise is no more a secret. 

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Kelly Oubre Jr. reveals the one thing he disliked about the Warriors

Every NBA analyst would agree that the Warriors’ 2020-21 season was exceptional irrespective of their play-in elimination. With Steph Curry’s MVP numbers and Draymond Green’s leadership, the franchise almost toppled the Lakers for #7 seed. Although Kelly had a decent contribution in making that possible, he wasn’t actually satisfied.

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In a recent podcast interview, the 25-YO expressed, “I want to continue to show all the things I’m capable of and not be put in a box. I felt like the universe was trying to put me in a box last year. It’s something that always clashes because it’s a big deal whenever I’m trying to be put in a box, because I can’t be put in a box.” 

The youngster timed 3.8 fewer minutes this season as compared to his time with the Suns in 2019-20. Perhaps that irritated him as he detailed, “I’m going to continue to show you and prove to you why you shouldn’t put me in a box… That just fueled me to work harder this summer and to come back next year and be a better all-around player.”

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Read more – ‘Respect Those Guys Forever’: Kelly Oubre Reveals His Learnings From His Time With Stephen Curry and Warriors

What lies at the other side of this attitude?

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Given that his growth-streak as a scorer ended with GSW and that his three-point shooting hit a three-year low, it is certain that he didn’t like it in the Bay Area. Also, with Klay Thompson coming back in the upcoming season, he might even have to start from the bench and that’s out of cards for Kelly.

Now, the star has shown an interest in joining the Knicks and helping them get better as a unit. His unrestricted free agency can get him $20 million per year and also a better leadership position in a younger team. An efficient defender with the potential to average 20+, Kelly can become a star and come out of shadows.

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USA Today via Reuters

As Wave Papi himself added, “As far as the business side, I can’t control that. All I can do is wait for August to roll around with my team and us to really handle the business side. I just want to go somewhere that I can spread my wings and continue to grow and be a focal point in the culture.”

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Given all the angles, what do you think can be the next best move from the disgruntled performer? Help us know about your opinion in the comment box below.

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Sourabh Singh

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Sourabh Singh is the Editor-in-Chief at EssentiallySports. A Sports Management diploma holder, Sourabh began his media career in 2015 at a fast-growing startup. He started out as a sports writer covering the NBA, UFC, Tennis, and the off-field lives of American athletes, before transitioning into a Managing Editor role. Thereafter, Sourabh joined ES in 2020, marking an end to a brief stint at Decathlon. Since then, he has led the editorial team with a sharp focus on journalistic integrity, accuracy, and mentorship. Under his leadership, the team has grown into a dynamic newsroom that consistently delivers trusted sports coverage to millions of satisfied readers.

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