Kelly Oubre Jr. says Indiana’s fast-paced style and the opportunity to play alongside Tyrese Haliburton were major factors in his decision to join the Pacers this offseason.
Oubre signed a two-year, $16.5 million fully guaranteed contract with Indiana in July after spending the previous three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He believes the Pacers’ style will allow him to return to the type of basketball he enjoys most.
“For me, I have a lot left to give. And the brand that I would choose to play for would be the Pacers organization, right? Fast pace, a little flair,” Oubre told HoopsHype. “But they have a great system in place through a great coach in Coach Carlisle.”
The veteran wing said Indiana checked the boxes he was looking for at this stage of his career, particularly the opportunity to play in transition.
“Philly was amazing. I loved my time there. But obviously, you know, there’s no shade, but it was a slower pace,” Oubre said. “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.”
Haliburton’s presence was another significant part of Oubre’s decision. The All-Star guard missed most of the 2025-26 season after suffering an Achilles injury, and Indiana is preparing for his return after finishing 19-63.
“I would be a fool to say it wasn’t,” Oubre said when asked how much playing with Haliburton influenced his decision. “He’s the head of the snake over here. And to have a head of the snake with their head on their shoulders is very rare.”
Oubre also praised Haliburton’s maturity and said he wants to help him work his way back to his previous level.
“I’m not expecting him to come back and just be his 100 percent self, but I’m happy to be on his side to help him kind of get there, and, you know, just give my insights to the game to him as well,” Oubre said.
The 30-year-old arrives in Indiana after averaging 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 50 games for Philadelphia during the 2025-26 season. He shot 46.7% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range, while making 41 starts.
Oubre has averaged at least 13.2 points in each of his last eight NBA seasons and has experience as a starter, scorer, three-and-D wing and sixth man. He said he is not concerned about being assigned a specific role in Indiana.
“My role is to bring myself, the best version of myself, to the table,” Oubre said. “Whatever the coach sees in that, he’ll utilize me in that.”
He added that his approach will remain centered on energy and competitiveness regardless of his role.
“I just want to help my team win, kind of just be a rager out there, go all out, play all out, bring the passion, bring the energy,” Oubre said.
The Pacers are adding Oubre as part of an offseason focused on building depth around Haliburton’s return. Indiana also has Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Jarace Walker and Aaron Nesmith among the players expected to contribute, while Ivica Zubac was acquired earlier in the year.
