The Nets didn’t just have a superficial interest in Andre Roberson before deciding on Iman Shumpert, they actually developed the defensive wing, a source told the Post.
Roberson’s return to the court with Thunder in the bubble last season showed that he was ready to play, and his training for the Nets further underscored his health. Now that Shumpert suffered a hamstring injury before he even played a second, we must ask ourselves whether general manager Sean Marks would return to Roberson. A source close to the situation said Roberson would be available and a viable option.
The 1.80 m tall, 210-pound Roberson not only looks suitable for a position of need, but also has family connections with the team. He was not only a teammate to Kevin Durant (and Nets assistant Royal Ivey) in Oklahoma City, as well as Spencer Dinwiddie in college, but his sister Arielle actually has a son Elijah with Dinwiddie.
“Yes, I think he being healthy, he will be a phenomenal addition to a candidate,” Dinwiddie told The Post. “And obviously, being an extended family, it will be great to share this journey and those high-level aspirations with him.”
Roberson was the second fully defensive team in 2016-17, and was the candidate for defensive player of the year the following season before breaking his left patellar tendon on January 27, 2018. After a long rehabilitation, he finally returned to the court for the Thunder during the resumption of Orlando, averaging 2.9 points and 3.9 boards in 12.4 minutes in seven games.
Much has been said about the Nets’ defense craters since they destroyed the Jarrett Allen ring protection center. But Dinwiddie suffered a partially torn ACL, and the Nets exchanging Taurean Prince and Caris LeVert left holes in their perimeter defense against small attackers and larger shooting guards.
With decisions due in their contracts not or partially guaranteed until February 24 – Shumpert, as well as Chris Chiozza, Norvel Pelle and Noah Vonleh – at least some list movement seems viable. In that case, Roberson could be an adjustment.
Kevin Durant lost the Kings game, and will also miss the end of Tuesday in a row in Phoenix.
The Nets have been associated with the Cleveland center Andre Drummond if he is bought. But the Cavaliers have not only pushed the veteran away completely, but are in “active” negotiations with the Raptors in an exchange according to The Athletic.