Oklahoma City Thunder Preseason Questions Answered

Oct 16, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard

(2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma Thunder forward Nick Collison (4) and guard

(21) in the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Why is Andre Roberson still starting?

Alright, so maybe no one is asking this question except for me. I know fellow writer Shawn Woods is probably asking, “Why isn’t Roberson getting more minutes?”

I admit to not being in love with Roberson and feel that he doesn’t add much value to the team, but I have to give Donovan a lot of credit here, he’s utilizing the shooting guard as best he can and Roberson is responding with improved play.

My biggest complaints about Roberson, besides the fact that he’s an offensive liability, is that he doesn’t create enough defensively. He’s a very good one-on-one defender, but that defense isn’t leading to enough steals and easy buckets. In the preseason, Andre was not only defending well, but he was coming up with steals and rebounds, leading to fast break opportunities.

On offense, Donovan made sure to get Roberson away from the three point line and into the paint, sending him on backdoor cuts for easy lay-ups. Roberson still can’t seem to shoot, going 1/5 on three point attempts, but at least Steve Novak is there to help.

If Roberson continues to improve on his already strong defense and can give me one, just one, made three a game then you won’t hear me complain about him for the rest of the season. Maybe.

Next: Donovan's Offense