Roundtable sessions: OKC Thunder lineups, rotations and reserve units

Depending on whether Andre Roberson makes your S5 rotation respond to question 2A or 2B.

2A: ARob is in your S5: Can Roberson retain a starting spot just based on his defense? If not, what does he have to do offensively?

2B: ARob is not in your S5: How many minutes does Roberson get coming off the bench? Furthermore, will Donovan use Andre in clutch time similar to how the Spurs used Manu Ginobili or the Raptors employ Fred VanVleet?

Tamberlyn Richardson:

2B: Roberson’s lack of appearances to date tends to indicate he’ll be brought back slowly. This isn’t a bad choice because he can sub in at any time if his defensive acumen is required and be relied on in clutch situations.

If the reserve unit pushes pace Donovan could employ the “Greyhound line” featuring Roberson (6’7″), Ferguson (6’7″) and Diallo (6’5), a unit capable of switching on everyone while having at least two perimeter shooters. Opponents will have to excel in transition defense or pay the price and if necessary Billy D can tweak that lineup to insert another 3-point threat (Burton, Muscala or Nader).

Rylan Stiles:

2B: Given the fact that Andre Roberson went from a full-go during Media Day, to missing the Blue and White Scrimmage and the Thunder’s first preseason game after reports surfaced that he would play in the Blue and White game, I have to see Roberson on the floor before putting him in the rotation. His rotation spot depends on his defense. If it is anything less than his normal elite level, he does not provide enough to stay on the floor.

Noah Schulte:

2B: Starting out, I’d say 10-15 for the first few games before ramping him up to a sixth man role depending on when he gets his sea legs back under him. As much as I like Roberson’s defense, he hasn’t played since “Gucci Gang” by Lil Pump was in the Billboard Top Ten; he’ll need time to recover. By the end of the year, he should regularly be getting clutch minutes in a Fred VanVleet-style role.

Aidan E:

2A: Yes he can, that’s what he’s done throughout his last few healthy seasons and I don’t see that changing. Putting him on the bench next to a severe lack of ball-handling/self-creation will not bode well for his offensive game that heavily relies on cuts to the basket.

Matthew Hallet:

2A: With this starting 5, Roberson does not have to score much. Paul, SGA, and Gallinari have good shooting, Adams will get his close to the basket. All Roberson has to do is cut, cut, cut and cut. His movement will find him alone near the rim and every other Thunder player on the court has the ability to find him

Kevon Stewart:

2A: I don’t think Roberson can maintain a starting role unless he develops a higher field goal and 3 point percentage. His goal should be to strengthen his slashing game or become a far better shooter.

Tyler Barger:

2B: I have Andre Roberson coming off the bench averaging 15-20 minutes.