After the OKC Thunder Monday practice, Billy Donovan elaborated on the role Andre Roberson could play for the team.
For the past several years when OKC Thunder head coach Billy Donovan was asked about Andre Roberson, it always felt like he was being cautious with his words.
That’s understandable considering how many setbacks Roberson suffered. In the past two consecutive training camps, both the player and team had expectations of his return. Instead, it became a wash, rinse, repeat scenario of ‘we hope to get him into the game’.
As we know now, those preseason games would all come and go without any Roberson sighting and Thunder Nation was left to wonder if ARob would ever play in OKC again.
With Dre participating in every practice and playing in both scrimmages in the Disney bubble (and set to start versus the Blazers), there is no longer the necessity to hold back or be cautious. Not only has Roberson played, but he’s also played well.
What role will Roberson play for OKC Thunder?
This allowed Billy Donovan to speak freely about Dre in terms of his fit with the squad. The bench boss didn’t hold back extolling high praise and reminding everyone how Andre was a starter prior to his injury when he played ‘really, really meaningful minutes in meaningful games‘.
When asked to offer the precise role Roberson will play Donovan elected to keep his options open. In fact, that was more telling then if he simply said Dre would play the four where he’s appeared in each of the two scrimmages versus the Celtics and 76ers.
Instead, Donovan implied there won’t be a specific position allotted noting he could play the two or four. What is clear, is Roberson’s defense is very close to the level it was prior to injury which is a huge benefit.
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For as much as his shooting stroke has been a pleasant surprise (so far he’s nailed three of four 3-point attempts) that won’t be the deciding factor.
‘We want to keep the momentum going with him. It’s not necessary even for me defining a role for him right now b/c I think he can do anything. He can play power forward, he can play the two spot, he can guard multiple different people. So however we need to utilize him I feel pretty confident that he’s going to be able to provide a role for us in whatever is best for the team.’
Reading between the lines of that statement it’s clear the role Andre will play will depend on the defensive matchup and any 3-pointers he hits will be gravy.
We’re all giddy about the fact Andre is shooting so well and nailing game-winners. But, the real reason to celebrate is just by hitting those shots it changes so much for the Thunder.
Consider the fact, pre-injury Roberson was such an elite defender, the Thunder couldn’t afford to not have him play. Even if that meant opponents would leave him wide open on the offensive end.
Now, with his seemingly improved shooting stroke, opponents can leave him open at their own peril.