Andre Roberson Future with OKC Thunder tied to other free agents

Conclusion

One of Andre Roberson’s season defining moments will surely be those free throws he missed in Game 5 against the Rockets. On one hand, he must know those moments were on him. Those moments were about another team picking on his single biggest flaw, and translating into costing his team the playoffs. Not directly, and not entirely, of course. But, in the most obvious sense, those were key points dropped on the Thunder.

On the other hand, Donovan’s decision to leave him in the game was a mark of the coach’s season-long confidence in him. Roberson will surely look back at the moment and recognize that as the pinnacle moment of Donovan’s commitment to him. Right when it mattered the most, Donovan chose to defy the deafening clamor to sub him out.

For Roberson, seeing how Donovan was unwilling to do so, despite knowing it could have happened undoubtedly reaffirms his belief if he wanted an organization which was going to be committed to helping him hone his craft, then there is nowhere else like the Thunder.

Dre, Come Back

I love Roberson to bits. Young, humble and gritty – there really is nothing not to like about the man. Remember, elite teams like the Bulls had purely defensive players too, like Dennis Rodman. So, there is a place in the league for specialists.

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But, if Presti is really forced to make the choice, I lean towards Gibson over Roberson. Ultimately, I think Presti locked the team in when he poured money into Adams and Oladipo. The only way forward is to invest in them and the rest of the youngsters on the team.  Logically, I think that means retaining important vets like Gibson, to be a locker room presence.

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Still, I am hoping that Roberson will look back at iconic moments like his free throws during the playoffs. Free agency can be a nasty business, but I am hoping Roberson will consider those moments when it matters. And be inspired by the team’s commitment to him, enough to decline offers he knows the Thunder cannot match.

Both Sam Presti and Andre Roberson will have to make their choices this summer. Ultimately, the hope is for number 21 to be in blue and white again next season.