Benefit of healthy Andre Roberson to rebuilding OKC Thunder is invaluable
By Aidan E
ARob the defensive master:
A good way to tell if a basketball fan truly knows what they are talking about is asking them for their opinion on Andre Roberson
Despite Robersons seemingly inept offensive ability, he still found ways to be a very impactful player on multiple playoff teams (Career +6.4 On/Off rating).
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/24/2019.
You may ask how a career 26 percent shooter from three and 47 percent shooter from the line (Yes, I know those are awful) is able to contribute in such an offensive based league.
The answer is simple, Roberson has been one of the best defenders in the league since he came into the NBA.
| Season | G | MP | PER | TS% | ORB% | DRB% | TRB% | STL% | BLK% | DWS | WS | DBPM | VORP | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 40 | 399 | 9.0 | .518 | 10.7 | 15.6 | 13.3 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 0.2 | ||
| 2014-15 | 67 | 1286 | 9.1 | .513 | 5.1 | 16.0 | 10.6 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 0.7 | ||
| 2015-16 | 70 | 1553 | 10.2 | .566 | 5.9 | 11.4 | 8.8 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 3.4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||
| 2016-17 | 79 | 2376 | 9.6 | .510 | 4.6 | 14.2 | 9.4 | 1.9 | 2.7 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 2.1 | 1.2 | ||
| 2017-18 | 39 | 1037 | 10.9 | .543 | 7.8 | 12.2 | 9.9 | 2.2 | 3.1 | 1.3 | 2.2 | 2.8 | 0.9 | ||
| Career | 295 | 6651 | 9.8 | .529 | 5.8 | 13.7 | 9.8 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 8.2 | 12.7 | 2.0 | 4.4 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/24/2019.
Shot Blocking Ability:
One of Andre’s strengths as a defender + a way to tell if he’s fully healthy again (using his athleticism) is his excellent shot-blocking ability for his position. While I wouldn’t classify him as a shot-blocker, he uses his 6’7 frame and his 6’11 wingspan to block offensive players from all angles.
Take this play for example:
I remember watching this game live and was in awe at that block. How many players can react that quickly, plus have the length, plus avoid fouling and end up blocking that shot in such a contested game?
Obviously, Andre’s defensive IQ hasn’t changed since his injury, but you have to wonder if he is still capable of making a play like that.
Getting slightly beat off the dribble by Bradley and having the length and recovery speed to pin his shot against the backboard
Playing the passing lane to force Wiggins to take it all the way and coming over around him and blocking the shot
When Roberson got his first extended minutes in the playoffs (37 minutes per game) he put on an absolute statistical display defensively. Roberson averaged 2.4 steals a game and a whopping 3.4 blocks (albeit in only 5 games).
Shaq has never averaged 3.4 blocks in the playoffs in his career. Tony Allen, one of the best perimeter defenders of this decade averaged 2.4+ steals a game once in the playoffs for his career.
Granted, a 5 game series is a small sample size, however, it just shows how dominant Roberson can be on the defensive end of the floor.