“The confidence I have in him started last season,” Coach Scott Brooks said in reference to Oubre following the Wizards’ opening-night win over the Philadelphia 76ers. “When I see players work hard every day, I know if they’re working on the right things they’re going to improve. I saw it. Saw it in the summertime. He’s come back. He’s not going to shoot the ball great every night, but he’s working on it. He’s developing his game, but staying within the team concept. He was a big part of our win.”

By Friday night, Oubre moved into the starting lineup as a frontcourt replacement while the Wizards’ top power forward options, Markieff Morris and Jason Smith, recover from injuries. In the 115-111 win over the Detroit Pistons, Oubre played 36 minutes and christened the game with a steal and tomahawk dunk. Although Oubre finished with just four points, he contributed in other ways, continuing to be aggressive on the boards and snagging seven rebounds. In two games, Oubre ranks third on the team with a 7.5-rebound average.

“Kelly’s made great strides,” Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said. “He’s obviously very athletic, very competitive. He’s become very professional. He’s a hard worker and he’s just shown solid, steady improvement. And he will continue to do so because of his work ethic.”

While the team’s decision to exercise Oubre’s option was a formality, Washington can offer him an extension between this season and next. If the Wizards and Oubre do not come to agreement before his fourth season, he will become a restricted free agent. In previous years, the Wizards allowed first-round lottery picks Otto Porter Jr. and Bradley Beal to enter restricted free agency following their fourth seasons before re-signing them to lengthy and lucrative max contract deals.