
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Also known as: Wave Papi
Birthday
December 9, 1995
Birth Sign
Sagittarius
Birthplace
New Orleans, Louisiana
Age
30 years old
Height
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
About
Kelly Oubre Jr. is an American professional basketball player known for his energetic two-way play and distinctive style. He is famous for his impactful performances on the court, including averaging around 13 points and 4 rebounds per game across over 500 regular-season appearances. Oubre is currently a rotational player for the Philadelphia 76ers, bringing trademark intensity and highlight-reel dunks to the team. He is distinctive for his fearless drives, defensive tenacity, and also for his status as a fashion icon and philanthropist off the court. Fans relate to his resilience and adaptability, as he continues to be a player capable of changing a game's momentum.
Early Life & Background
Kelly Paul Oubre Jr. was born on December 9, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana. At a young age, he moved to Houston, Texas, after his father was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for drug trafficking. Growing up in Texas, Oubre was primarily raised by his mother, Tonya Coleman, and his grandparents. During this formative period, he found stability and a crucial outlet through basketball.
He attended George Bush High School in Richmond, Texas, where he honed his skills on the court. For his senior year, Oubre transferred to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, a move that significantly elevated his recruitment profile and established him as a consensus five-star recruit. He committed to the University of Kansas, where he pursued studies in Communications. Oubre played one season for the Jayhawks during 2014-15, averaging 9.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. An early three-game suspension for a violation of team rules proved to be a pivotal moment, instilling in him greater discipline and accountability. Following his freshman year, Oubre declared for the NBA draft.
Career Growth
Oubre was selected 15th overall in the 2015 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks and immediately traded to the Washington Wizards. He spent three and a half seasons in Washington, developing into a high-energy bench player known for athletic dunks and defensive potential. His best season with the Wizards came in 2018-19, averaging 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds. In December 2018, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in a deal for Trevor Ariza. In Phoenix, Oubre became a full-time starter and posted career-high numbers, including a 40-point game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 3, 2020. He signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade in 2020, but a wrist injury limited him to 55 games. Traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 2021, he averaged a career-high 20.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in the 2022-23 season. He signed a one-year, $2.8 million veteran minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023, playing a key rotational role and averaging 15.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 68 games. In 2024, he re-signed with the 76ers on a two-year, $16.3 million deal, though his 2024-25 season was interrupted by a right foot injury.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Oubre is widely regarded as the NBA's most fashionable player, combining high-end brands like Balmain and Gucci with streetwear. His signature look includes bold prints, wide-leg pants, and designer accessories. Media often portrays him as a "vibe", a player who prioritizes style and confidence as much as his game. On social media, he is philosophical and motivational, posting a mix of game highlights, fashion shoots, and inspirational quotes. Fans sometimes refer to themselves as "The Wave" or "The Vibe Crew," though there is no official fandom name. His persona has made him a trendsetter in the league, standing out in an environment often focused on uniformity.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
Kelly Oubre Jr. moves through the basketball world with a distinct rhythm, yet his supporters lack a unified banner or formal collective identity. While he commands attention on Instagram and Facebook with philosophical musings and high-fashion shoots, there is no documented evidence of a structured fanbase engaging in coordinated campaigns, birthday billboards, or viral chart pushes that define modern celebrity subcultures. His audience remains a standard collection of NBA followers who appreciate his resilience rather than a dedicated legion with unique rituals. This absence of a specific fandom name reflects a career built on individual performance and style rather than organized pop-culture mythology. has evaluated Kelly Oubre Jr.'s global standing as of August 2026. The Global Fame Engine confirms that while he maintains a strong presence in sports and fashion circles, he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings for the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. He is not ranked within the top thousand most famous people worldwide. This evaluation places him outside the immediate tier of global superstars whose fame transcends their primary industry, though his influence in basketball culture remains significant. The lack of a numeric rank indicates he sits just below the threshold of mass-market saturation required for the current iFANN global leaderboard.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Kelly Oubre Jr. brings a disciplined warrior's mindset to the hardwood, training in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu during the off-season to sharpen his physical edge. His passion extends beyond the court to a curated garage featuring vintage classics, including a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle and a 1965 Mustang. A samurai tattoo adorns his back, serving as a permanent reminder of discipline and honor. Fans affectionately call him 'Wave Papi,' a nod to his stylish persona, though this moniker lacks the official backing of a formal organization. His bold fashion choices once led to a $50,000 NBA fine for appearing courtside shirtless, a moment he later dismissed as a rookie error. He also speaks conversational Japanese, a skill developed during his high school years. While no legendary viral incidents have entered general folklore surrounding Oubre, his career trajectory includes notable professional transitions. In July 2026, reports confirmed he agreed to a two-year, $16.5 million deal with the Indiana Pacers following three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. Analysts noted the emotional weight of this move, drawing parallels to his earlier departure from the Golden State Warriors. These events highlight his status as a pivotal figure in team strategies rather than subjects of mythical storytelling.
Notable Quotes
“I'm not just a basketball player. I'm a vibe. I'm a movement.”
“My dad being gone taught me how to be a man. It taught me how to be responsible for my own actions.”
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”
Family & Personal Life
Oubre's mother, Tonya Coleman, was a high school basketball player. His father, Kelly Oubre Sr., was released from prison in 2020 after serving 17 years on drug trafficking charges. He has a younger sister named Kennedy. Oubre has a son, Kelly Oubre III, born in 2017, from a previous relationship, and he co-parents actively. He owns a home in the Phoenix area and has invested in property in Houston.
Notable Connections
Oubre has played alongside notable teammates including John Wall, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, LaMelo Ball, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. He has a multi-year shoe deal with Puma and has collaborated with Balmain and GQ. His community work in Phoenix and Philadelphia has been recognized by the NBA.
Relationships & Dating History
Oubre was briefly linked to rapper Shy Glizzy in 2016, though neither confirmed the relationship. He dated Shamaya, a non-public figure, from around 2016 to 2018; they had a son, Kelly Oubre III, born in 2017, and have since co-parented amicably. In 2018-2019, he publicly dated model and actress Karrueche Tran; they were often seen at NBA games and events before ending the relationship amicably due to busy schedules. He was linked to singer Justine Skye in early 2020 during the pandemic lockdown, but the relationship was short-lived. From 2021 to 2022, he dated model and influencer Nadine; they frequently posted each other on social media before splitting in late 2022. As of 2026, Oubre is single and has prioritized his career and co-parenting his son.
- RumouredShy Glizzy2016 - 2016Briefly linked after being seen together at events; neither party confirmed.
- DatedShamaya2016 - 2018Mother of his son Kelly Oubre III, born 2017; relationship ended shortly after birth.
- DatedKarrueche Tran2018 - 2019Publicly dated; often photographed at NBA games; split amicably due to busy schedules.
- DatedJustine Skye2020 - 2020Linked during pandemic lockdown; short-lived relationship.
- DatedNadine2021 - 2022Model and influencer; frequently posted each other on social media; split in late 2022.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$18 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Kelly Oubre Jr.'s net worth at $18 Million. His financial foundation rests on NBA contracts, with total career earnings surpassing $65 million in base salary before taxes. His agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers carries a value of $16.3 million over two years. Endorsement deals significantly boost his portfolio, anchored by a multi-year shoe contract with Puma signed in 2018 alongside partnerships with Beats by Dre, Michele Watches, and Tissot. He has also served as a brand ambassador for Balmain. Beyond endorsements, Oubre has invested in various startups and launched his own clothing line. Real estate holdings feature a residence in the Phoenix area and investment property in Houston. His wealth has expanded steadily since entering the league, driven by both on-court compensation and strategic business ventures.
Awards Won (4)
Oubre was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2017, recognizing his strong debut season with the Washington Wizards. In college, he earned Big 12 All-Newcomer Team honors in 2015 and won the Big 12 Tournament Championship with Kansas. He received the NBA Community Assist Award in 2020 for his philanthropic work in Phoenix.
2020 · Community Service
Phoenix Suns
2017 · Rookie
Washington Wizards
Known For
Philadelphia 76ers
2023 · Small forward / Shooting guard
Charlotte Hornets
2021 · Small forward
Golden State Warriors
2020 · Small forward
Phoenix Suns
2018 · Small forward
Washington Wizards
2015 · Small forward
Keywords
Quick Facts
- Profession
- basketball player
- Born
- +1995-12-09
- Birthplace
- New Orleans
- Gender
- Male
- Birth Sign
- Sagittarius
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Kelly Paul Oubre Jr.
- Height
- 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
- Children
- 1 son (Kelly Oubre III, born 2017)
- Education
- University of Kansas (Communications)
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