You’ve probably seen Kelly Oubre Jr. glide across the court and wondered how a guy that lean can effectively guard three or four different positions. He’s got this wiry, "Valley Boy" energy that makes him look taller than he is, but also sometimes shorter depending on who he’s standing next to. It's a common debate among Sixers fans and jersey-wearing teenagers alike: how tall is Kelly Oubre actually?
Honestly, the answer used to be a bit of a moving target. Back in the day, the NBA was notorious for letting players and teams "embellish" their heights—usually adding an inch or two for the sake of intimidation or a better scouting report.
In the current 2025-26 season, Kelly Oubre Jr. is officially listed at 6 feet 7 inches.
Wait, did you see 6'8" somewhere? You aren't crazy. For years, Oubre was widely cited as a 6-foot-8 forward. However, when the NBA cracked down on measurement accuracy a few seasons back, requiring teams to record heights without shoes, a lot of guys "shrank." Oubre was one of them. He basically lost an inch on paper overnight, though his game didn't change one bit.
The Truth Behind the Tape: 6'7" vs 6'8"
In the world of professional basketball, an inch is an eternity. When Oubre first entered the league out of Kansas in 2015, he was that quintessential "6'7" or 6'8" wing" that every GM dreamed of. He had the frame of a modern prototype. But the "shoe height" era was a strange time.
Think about it. If you're wearing thick-soled Nike high-tops, you're easily gaining 1.25 inches.
The NBA’s 2019 measurement reset was a reality check for the whole league. While some guys like Kevin Durant famously "grew" (he went from 6'9" to 6'10" because he actually liked being seen as shorter), most "6-foot-something" wings were revealed to be slightly smaller.
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Kelly Oubre Jr. officially clocked in at 6'6.75" without shoes. Round it up for the program, and you get a solid 6'7".
- Official Height (No Shoes): 6'6.75"
- Listed Height (NBA Program): 6'7"
- Weight: Approximately 203 lbs
- Wingspan: A massive 7'2"
That last stat is actually way more important than his height. It’s why he plays like he’s 6'10".
Why Oubre Plays Way Bigger Than His Listing
If you only looked at the 6'7" number, you might think Oubre would struggle against some of the more "bruiser" small forwards in the Eastern Conference. But he doesn't.
His 7-foot-2 wingspan is the real secret sauce.
This gives him a +7 "ape index" (the difference between wingspan and height). In scouting terms, that is elite. It's the reason he can disrupt passing lanes and poke balls loose while trailing a play. It's also why he’s such a terrifying presence on the offensive glass. He can reach over guys who are technically "taller" than him because his reach starts higher and extends further.
He’s currently a vital piece for the Philadelphia 76ers, often tasked with being the "energy guy" who covers for superstars. Whether he's cutting to the rim or hounding a point guard, his length allows him to bridge the gap between a shooting guard's speed and a power forward's reach.
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Versatility by the Numbers
In the 2024-25 season, Oubre averaged 6.1 rebounds per game. For a wing listed at 6'7", that's impressive. It shows that height is often just a number—positioning and reach do the heavy lifting.
He’s not just a "3-and-D" guy; he’s more of a "Slash-and-Chaos" player. His height gives him the clearance to finish over rim protectors, and his quickness—usually a trait of shorter players—remains intact despite his long frame.
The "Eye Test" vs. The Official Program
Basketball fans often argue about "functional height."
You'll see Oubre standing next to a guy like Paul George (listed at 6'8") and they look nearly identical. Or you'll see him next to a "small" power forward and realize Oubre's shoulders are actually higher.
The truth is, height in the NBA is as much about posture and "playing tall" as it is about the measurement taken in a training room in October. Oubre has a high waist and long legs, which gives him a high center of gravity. This makes his strides longer and his jumps feel more effortless.
Does it actually matter?
To the casual fan, maybe not. To a coach like Nick Nurse? Absolutely.
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Knowing exactly how tall Kelly Oubre is helps in defensive switching schemes. If you know he has the standing reach of a 6'10" player, you're much more comfortable letting him switch onto a center in a pinch. We've seen him do exactly that throughout his career, from Washington to Phoenix to Philly.
What to Remember About Oubre's Build
If you’re tracking Oubre for your fantasy team or just debating with friends at a bar, keep these three things in mind:
- He's a true 6'7": The 6'8" days were mostly a byproduct of the "shoes-on" era of the 2010s.
- The Wingspan is the Story: His 7'2" reach is what makes him an NBA-level defender.
- Weight Matters: At 203 pounds, he's lean. He relies on that length and verticality rather than bullying people with mass.
If you want to understand how Oubre impacts the game, look at his "stocks" (steals + blocks). His length allows him to get his hands on balls that shorter wings simply can't reach. It’s the defining physical trait of his decade-long career.
Next time you see him throw down a contested dunk or snag a board over a seven-footer, just remember: it's not the 6'7" that's doing the work—it's that massive wingspan and the sheer athleticism he brings to every possession.
To get the most out of watching Oubre, pay attention to his "defensive stance." Notice how wide his arms go and how much space he occupies on the perimeter. That "length" is his greatest asset, regardless of what the official height measurement says on the back of a trading card.