The lost season: What’s next for OKC Thunder defensive master Andre Roberson?
By Alex Mcewen
Where Roberson Was Missed
When a player has an extended absence from the hardwood, it becomes easy to dismiss their impact on a game. As time went on during the regular season and Terrence Ferguson began to peak in January, some pundits questioned Roberson’s importance to the Thunder.
After watching second-year guard Terrence Ferguson struggle in the post-season, it became clear Roberson still provides immense value in Oklahoma City.
Killer Klay
In the first clip, Roberson reads the play well. Abandoning Draymond Green in the paint to close-out to a wide-open Klay Thompson. Dre’s out-stretched arm did just enough to throw off Klay’s lethal stroke.
The second clip displayed a similar sequence from Oklahoma City’s latest meeting with the Warriors. The play developed out of the paint, due to a pass from Andre Iguodala. Unlike Roberson, although Paul George saw the play transpiring he failed to close-out to Thompson; resulting in an easy trey for Klay.
James Harden’s Kryptonite
Most defenders struggle to contain James Harden for two reasons, foremost; he is a transcendent offensive talent. Secondly, opponents fail due to the fact they constantly bite on the Beards step-back action.
Whether, it’s elite scouting, length, athleticism, or something else; Roberson does a textbook job of locking down Harden.
Without Dre, like most defenders time after time, sophomore Terrance Ferguson continuously got caught up in Harden’s dangerous step-back.
*All videos courtesy of NBA.com/Stats
The above plays offer a small example of the void the Thunder felt without Roberson. Where his absence became even more relevant was in the post-season, which will be addressed on the other side.