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Oklahoma City Thunder: 5 Reason The Thunder should ditch Roberson

By Bo Cardona

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) holds his bloody nose while sitting on the bench agains the Houston Rockets in the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 105 to 99 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) holds his bloody nose while sitting on the bench agains the Houston Rockets in the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 105 to 99 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) fouls Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during the second quartereake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
OKC Thunder forward Jerami Grant (9) fouls Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during the second quartereake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jerami Grant is much more well rounded than Roberson

Jerami Grant showed some great signs for the Thunder this year, especially in the postseason. He posted a whopping 22.2 minutes per game in their five-game series with the Rockets. During those minutes, he posted 9.2 points per game while shooting 61.3 percent from the field.

Not only is he a much better offensive player than Andre, he is a much better shot blocker as well. Grant averaged one blocked shot a game this year (same as Andre Roberson with 11 less minutes per game). His length and freakish athleticism makes him a great rim protector. With the eyes of a hawk and a wing-span to match, this is one of the things that makes Grant a great two-way wing.

To give credit where it is due, Roberson is a much better one-on-one defender. But with the direction the league is leaning towards, there isn’t as much isolation basketball. Pick & Roll IQ and knowledgeable help defense are key to being a defensive dynamo in the NBA today.

Using this video as example, Grant comes from the other side of the court to help out a beaten Domantas Sabonis and over stepped Steven Adams for an absolute volleyball spike. This play is just the beginning of he defensive abilities.

Jerami Grant may not be the prolific defender Roberson is, but he is by far above average on the defensive end. What really sets the two apart is offense. Grant is a much better shooter from any range, and can get to the rim with authority. The Thunder wouldn’t have their hats straight if they decided not to pick up Grant’s option in order to re-sign Roberson.

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