Kelly Oubre Jr. discusses how he helps Sixers when shot isn't falling

BOSTON -- It's important for every team in the NBA to have a versatile player on the roster who can do a little bit of everything on the floor. That player always finds a way to contribute even when their shot isn't falling.

For the Philadelphia 76ers, that player is Kelly Oubre Jr.

An 11-year veteran in the league, Oubre isn't shooting the ball all that well through two games of this series against the Boston Celtics--he's 2-for-11 from deep thus far--but he has found ways to impact the game in other ways. For example, he has been a terrific defender as he has bothered Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown by using his length and IQ.

"Nothing has ever been given to me in my life," Oubre said after the Game 2 win on Tuesday. "Nothing's ever been easy. So, I don't really expect this, my career, to be that way, and I'm always just getting out the mud, figure out how to be successful in any way that I possibly can, but I'm a winner, man. I just want to help my team win in any way possible."

Oubre's first playoff run came in 2017, as a member of the Washington Wizards, and he faced the Celtics in Round 2 of that postseason. He found ways to impact that series as a younger player, despite some obvious lessons to learn, and he was able to show off his versatility. Just as he did on Tuesday for the Sixers. He just finds a way.

"I'm blessed to even be on the court, but at the end of the day, I do know that I have another level I could take it to, but I'm a big rhythm guy," Oubre added. "I love music. So, rhythm and flow is kind of the way I go, but at the end of the day, man, I'm just happy to be here. I have guys like Kyle (Lowry), you know, on the sideline just in my ear. Telling me just to stay focused, stay locked in, stay engaged, and I just go out there and try to put the right foot forward."